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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice - Easy 30-Minute One-Pot Meal

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

Scale

 

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

Notes

  • 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.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/greek-chicken-and-lemon-rice-easy-30-minute-one-pot-meal/