Welcome to this exciting recipe for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, a 30-minute, one-pot Mediterranean dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken thighs with fresh ingredients like spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta cheese. It’s a healthy, gluten-free meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, and can easily be adapted to suit dairy-free diets.
Introduction
The Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is inspired by traditional Greek flavors that highlight fresh and healthy ingredients. With influences from Mediterranean cuisine, this dish is a hearty, satisfying meal that packs a ton of flavor into just one pot. The lemon-infused rice, combined with spinach, chickpeas, and a flavorful feta mixture, creates a balanced meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.
For fans of Mediterranean cuisine or those looking for a flavorful one-pot dish, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for busy schedules or meal prepping. Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice brings together bright, tangy flavors with savory chicken, creating a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients
To make this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients. Feel free to make substitutions based on dietary needs or preferences.
Chicken:
- 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Greek Lemon Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 15 oz chickpeas (canned and drained)
Feta Cheese Mixture:
- 6 oz feta cheese (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
- If you’re gluten-sensitive, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian version.
How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat a high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Greek Lemon Rice
In the same skillet, add the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and olive oil. Cook the tomatoes for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt before adding the cooked jasmine rice and chickpeas. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining uncooked tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it reheat over medium heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Feta Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the cubed feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. If desired, add freshly chopped oregano for extra flavor. This mixture will be used to garnish the rice.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Add half of the feta cheese mixture to the skillet with the rice. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the rice. Reheat everything over medium heat, mixing to combine all the flavors. Top the dish with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. While dried oregano is great, adding fresh oregano takes this dish to the next level.
- Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bright, zesty flavor complements the richness of the chicken and feta perfectly.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the dish just before serving.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cooking in batches will allow the chicken to brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet like cast iron for even cooking. It will help to retain heat and evenly cook both the chicken and the rice.
- To add even more depth of flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the seasonings for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice dish pairs well with light side dishes like a Greek salad or a simple tzatziki sauce. For a more filling meal, serve it with warm pita bread or a side of roasted vegetables.
Beverage Pairings:
- A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling complements the bright lemon flavors.
- A refreshing lemon-mint iced tea can also be a delightful non-alcoholic option.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 755 kcal
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Protein: 43g
- Fiber: 10g
- Vitamin C: 25% of the daily value
- Calcium: 20% of the daily value
This dish is packed with protein and fiber from the chicken and chickpeas, while the fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and minerals.
Storage and Leftovers
This dish stores well and can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. When reheating, add a little olive oil or water to prevent the rice from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing:
This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted, but note that it may increase the cooking time.
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with tofu or additional chickpeas to make it vegetarian.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the entire dish ahead and store it for meal prep or freeze for later.
4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well in the fridge and makes a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
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- Sausage Balls Recipe with Red Lobster Mix
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Conclusion
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a simple, flavorful, and healthy dish that you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine or just looking for a quick dinner idea, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Don’t forget to try it out and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Happy cooking!
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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice – Easy 30-Minute One-Pot Meal
Description
Welcome to this exciting recipe for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, a 30-minute, one-pot Mediterranean dish that bursts with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken thighs with fresh ingredients like spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta cheese. It’s a healthy, gluten-free meal that’s rich in protein and fiber, and can easily be adapted to suit dairy-free diets.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Greek Lemon Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 15 oz chickpeas (canned and drained)
For the Feta Cheese Mixture:
- 6 oz feta cheese (cubed)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Optional Substitutions:
- For a dairy-free option, omit the feta or use a dairy-free alternative.
- If you’re gluten-sensitive, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Heat a high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, cooking for about 5 minutes on one side without moving them. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Greek Lemon Rice
In the same skillet, add the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and olive oil. Cook the tomatoes for about 2 minutes until they soften and release their juices. Stir in the chopped spinach and allow it to wilt before adding the cooked jasmine rice and chickpeas. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining uncooked tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it reheat over medium heat.
Step 3: Prepare the Feta Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine the cubed feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano. If desired, add freshly chopped oregano for extra flavor. This mixture will be used to garnish the rice.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
Add half of the feta cheese mixture to the skillet with the rice. Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the rice. Reheat everything over medium heat, mixing to combine all the flavors. Top the dish with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor. While dried oregano is great, adding fresh oregano takes this dish to the next level.
- Make sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bright, zesty flavor complements the richness of the chicken and feta perfectly.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the dish just before serving.
