Sunny Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice One-Pot Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand a special mediterranean chicken recipe that captures zesty lemon flavors and comfort.

My grandmother’s culinary wisdom always highlighted simple ingredients creating extraordinary meals.

Tender chicken pieces nestled among fluffy rice promise a delightful dining experience.

Bright citrus notes dance across perfectly seasoned protein, making this dish irresistible.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.

Aromatic herbs and minimal cleanup ensure this one-pot wonder becomes your new kitchen favorite.

Savor every bite and let your taste buds travel to the sun-drenched greek islands.

Best Way To Store Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Stays good for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing feta topping separately.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. Stir gently to redistribute moisture and heat evenly for 3-4 minutes.

Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) FAQs To Know

• What makes this Greek chicken and lemon rice recipe unique?

This one-pot dish combines Mediterranean flavors with easy cooking technique, offering a complete meal with protein, grains, and vegetables in just 30 minutes.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Thighs provide more flavor and remain juicier during cooking, which is why they’re recommended.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free rice and checking that chickpeas and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Always verify ingredient labels.

• How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them for a milder version, or increase for more kick. The spice level is easily adjustable to personal preference.

Why Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) Is Great

• Conquer One-Pot Comfort: This Greek chicken and lemon rice recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
• Savor Quick Culinary Magic: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less than an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques.
• Customize Your Delight: Easily swap ingredients like spinach for kale or use different proteins to match your dietary preferences and pantry supplies.
• Nutrition Meets Pleasure: Packed with protein from chicken and chickpeas, loaded with vegetables, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired seasonings that make healthy eating irresistibly delicious.

What You’ll Need For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that provides the main protein source for the dish.
• Chickpeas: Additional protein that adds texture and nutritional value.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy cheese that brings a tangy flavor to the recipe.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach: Fresh vegetables that add color and nutritional boost.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Oregano (Dried and Fresh): Herb that provides a classic Greek Mediterranean taste.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Essential ingredients that create a bright, zesty flavor base.
• Salt, Red Pepper Flakes, Paprika: Seasonings that add depth and mild heat to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Finishing spice that provides a subtle warmth.

• Cooked Rice: Hearty base that absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.

Simple Steps For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Generously coat chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Ensure each piece is evenly seasoned for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Create Golden Chicken

Heat skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and carefully place chicken in the pan. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Build Tomato Base

• Grape tomatoes
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt

Cook for 2 minutes, stirring until tomatoes soften and release their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Add Greens and Grains

Incorporate chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in cooked rice and chickpeas, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 5: Brighten With Citrus

Pour lemon juice and add remaining grape tomatoes. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through. Optional: Drizzle with additional olive oil for extra richness.

Step 6: Prepare Feta Mixture

• Feta cubes
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Fresh oregano

Gently toss to coat cheese with aromatic herbs and liquid.

Step 7: Combine Rice and Feta

Stir half of the feta mixture into the lemon rice, creating creamy, tangy layers of flavor.

Step 8: Reassemble the Dish

Slice cooked chicken and place over rice in skillet. Reheat over medium heat for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors.

Step 9: Final Garnish

Top with remaining feta cheese mixture. Sprinkle fresh oregano, salt, and black pepper. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Good To Know Tips For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan to ensure the rice doesn't burn or stick to the bottom during cooking.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Quick Protein Swap: Replace chicken thighs with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the delicious Mediterranean-inspired seasoning.
• Balance Acid and Creaminess: Adjust lemon juice amount to personal taste, and add extra feta to create a richer, more creamy texture in the dish.

Twists To Try With Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish for a pescatarian-friendly version that keeps the zesty lemon and herb profile.
• Low-Carb Greek Bowl: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and maintain the protein-packed chickpeas and flavorful feta for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Vegetarian Greek Skillet: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or extra-firm tofu, preserving the original herb and tomato essence while creating a plant-based meal.
• Instant Pot Greek Fusion: Transfer entire recipe to electric pressure cooker, reducing cooking time and creating a hands-off approach to achieving the same vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Pairing Ideas For Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

• Pair with Crisp Greek White Wine: Select an Assyrtiko from Santorini, matching the recipe's bright lemon and herb profile, cutting through the rich chicken and feta flavors with its mineral and citrus notes.
• Complement with Mediterranean Salad: Create a simple cucumber, tomato, and red onion salad dressed with olive oil and oregano, echoing the dish's Greek ingredients and providing fresh, crunchy contrast to the warm rice and chicken.
• Serve Alongside Tzatziki Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice to create a cool, tangy condiment that refreshes the palate and adds creamy texture to the one-pot meal.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 23-24 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken dances with zesty lemon over perfectly seasoned rice, creating a Mediterranean melody of flavors that whisks you straight to a sun-drenched Greek island. Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, this one-pot wonder will become your new weeknight dinner champion.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1.5 pounds skinless (boneless chicken thighs)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 6 ounces (170 grams) feta cheese (diced into small cubes)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh spinach (chopped)
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• Fresh oregano (optional)

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Instructions

1. Infuse chicken thighs with a robust blend of oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes for deep Mediterranean flavor profiles.
2. Warm a large skillet to medium heat for precisely 2 minutes, then introduce olive oil to create a sizzling cooking surface.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the skillet, allowing it to develop a golden-brown crust undisturbed for 5 minutes. Rotate and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete doneness.
4. Without cleaning the skillet, drizzle additional olive oil and introduce halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, and complementary herbs. Sauté for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their aromatic essence.
5. Incorporate fresh spinach, gently wilting the leaves to create a vibrant green layer within the dish.
6. Fold in cooked rice and protein-rich chickpeas, ensuring even distribution and maximum flavor integration.
7. Splash with bright lemon juice and sprinkle remaining grape tomatoes. Briefly heat to meld flavors and enhance overall dish temperature.
8. Prepare a luxurious feta mixture by combining cheese cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, and both dried and fresh oregano. Gently toss to create a creamy, tangy complement.
9. Blend half of the feta mixture directly into the lemon-infused rice, creating pockets of creamy texture.
10. Artfully arrange sliced chicken atop the rice, reheating for 1-2 minutes to ensure optimal serving temperature.
11. Finish by scattering remaining feta mixture, garnishing with fresh oregano, and seasoning with a final touch of salt and black pepper. Serve immediately to capture peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and better spice adherence.
• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for brighter, more vibrant citrus flavor profile.
• Customize heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes to personal spice tolerance.
• For gluten-free version, confirm chickpeas and rice are certified gluten-free before preparing.
• Substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for varied nutrient profile and texture.
• Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to retain internal moisture and tenderness.
• Opt for freshly grated feta for more intense, creamy cheese experience.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-19 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 404 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg