Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice: A One-Pan Mediterranean Delight
If you love bright, zesty flavors and juicy, tender chicken, this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is going to be your new favorite meal. With golden, pan-seared chicken, fragrant Mediterranean rice, and fresh lemony goodness, this dish is bursting with flavor while being simple to prepare.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy family meal, this one-pan recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Meal – Less mess, easy cleanup!
✔ Juicy, Flavorful Chicken – Marinated with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs.
✔ Zesty, Fragrant Rice – Infused with lemon, garlic, and warm spices.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Stays delicious for days.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Brings Greek flavors to your kitchen!
How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Greek yogurt (optional for tenderness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp turmeric (adds a golden color and warmth!)
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra chopped parsley
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional but delicious!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 tbsp olive oil, then sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside (it will finish cooking with the rice later).
Step 3: Make the Lemon Rice
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in turmeric, oregano, and rice, toasting for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
- Place the seared chicken back on top of the rice.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
- Cover the pan, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, until the rice absorbs all the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the Greek chicken and lemon rice together.
- Garnish with lemon wedges, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy the Mediterranean goodness!
Recipe Variations & Add-Ins
🔹 Greek Chicken Bowl: Serve over couscous or quinoa with hummus and tzatziki.
🔹 Vegetable Boost: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, or artichokes.
🔹 Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
🔹 Low-Carb Version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice.
🔹 Make it Creamy: Stir in Greek yogurt or feta cheese into the rice before serving.
Best Ways to Serve Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
✔ With a Side of Tzatziki – Cool and creamy to balance the citrusy flavors.
✔ With a Greek Salad – Cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta make a perfect pairing.
✔ In a Wrap or Pita – Turn leftovers into a Greek-style wrap with lettuce and tzatziki.
✔ With Roasted Veggies – Serve with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
✔ As Meal Prep – Store for quick and delicious lunches all week.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✔ Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
✔ Reheat Properly: Warm gently in the microwave with a splash of broth to keep rice fluffy.
✔ Freeze for Later: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for even deeper flavor.
Why Everyone Loves This Dish
✨ One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup, no mess!
✨ Zesty, Bright Flavors – Lemon, garlic, and herbs create a perfect balance.
✨ Juicy, Tender Chicken – Seared and simmered to perfection.
✨ Comforting & Nutritious – A wholesome and satisfying Mediterranean meal.
✨ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is fresh, fragrant, and loaded with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or hosting guests, this one-pan dish is sure to impress.
So grab your chicken, lemons, and rice, and enjoy a delicious homemade Mediterranean feast today!
