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Delicious Greek Chicken Lemon Rice

Featured in Perfect Grains & Rice for Every Meal.

This one-pot Greek chicken and lemon rice dish is a quick and healthy option bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken thighs spiced with paprika and oregano are served alongside rice touched with vibrant lemon. Chickpeas, tomatoes, and spinach add texture and nutrients, while creamy feta ties it all together. Gluten-free and adaptable for dairy-free needs, it’s protein-packed and versatile for everyone.
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Updated on Wed, 05 Mar 2025 07:25:16 GMT
A cozy black bowl with chicken, rice, and vibrant veggies. Pin it
A cozy black bowl with chicken, rice, and vibrant veggies. | linacooks.com

Classic Greek one-pot chicken and rice combines tender meat, aromatic herbs, and bright citrus flavors. Each forkful delivers the essence of Mediterranean cooking, from the perfectly seasoned rice to the juicy chicken thighs nestled within.

The mingling aromas of lemon, herbs and sautéed garlic make this dish a sensory experience from start to finish. Its proven crowd-pleasing ability has earned it a permanent spot in countless family recipe collections.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: Select evenly sized, well-trimmed pieces for consistent cooking
  • Jasmine rice: Use high-quality grains with uniform size
  • Fresh lemons: Choose heavy, bright-skinned fruit for maximum juice
  • Grape tomatoes: Select firm, vibrant specimens
  • Baby spinach: Look for crisp, deep green leaves
  • Chickpeas: Ensure firm texture whether canned or home-cooked
  • Greek feta: Traditional sheep's milk variety provides authentic flavor

Fresh citrus provides the signature brightness that defines this dish. Quality lemons are essential for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Method

Rice Preparation:
Rinse rice until water runs clear. Drain thoroughly to ensure proper cooking.
Seasoning Chicken:
Season thighs with salt, pepper and oregano. Rest for flavor development.
Base Preparation:
Create aromatic foundation with diced onion and minced garlic.
Building Flavors:
Toast rice in aromatics before adding broth and lemon juice.
Main Cooking:
Place chicken atop rice mixture, cover and simmer until nearly done.
Finishing Steps:
Add tomatoes, chickpeas and spinach in final stages.
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. | linacooks.com

Traditional Mediterranean cooking emphasizes patience and attention to detail. These principles shine through in every aspect of this recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a traditional Greek salad and warm pita bread. A side of cooling tzatziki provides welcome contrast to the warm, aromatic dish.

Recipe Adaptations

Substitute mushrooms and extra chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Seafood variations work beautifully with shrimp or white fish. Brown rice creates a heartier alternative.

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to three days. Reheat gently with added moisture to maintain the rice's texture.

Presentation Tips

Serve in a large dish garnished with herbs and lemon wedges. Offer extra feta and herbs on the side for customization.

Nutritional Benefits

This balanced meal exemplifies healthy Mediterranean cooking with its combination of lean protein, whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats.

A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. | linacooks.com

This treasured recipe demonstrates how simple ingredients transform into an exceptional meal through proper technique and careful attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Of course! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster, so adjust the timing to avoid drying them out.
→ Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Definitely! Just skip the feta cheese—it’s still flavorful because the lemon and herbs take center stage.
→ Would other types of rice work?
Yep! Any cooked rice will do, but jasmine rice is great because of its nice texture and aroma.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Sure can! Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge, and they’ll be good for up to 3 days. Reheats like a charm.
→ What can I use instead of chickpeas?
White beans or cannellini beans are great alternatives. Or just leave them out if you’d prefer!

Chicken Lemon Rice

A satisfying Mediterranean meal with zesty rice, juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy feta. It’s all done in one pot in just half an hour.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Paolina

Category: Grains & Rice

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1 and 1/2 pounds of chicken thighs, no skin or bones
02 A teaspoon of dried oregano
03 A teaspoon of paprika
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
06 2 tablespoons of olive oil

→ Rice with Lemon

07 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 5 garlic cloves, chopped finely
09 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 A quarter teaspoon of salt
11 8 ounces of grape tomatoes, cut into halves
12 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
13 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
14 Chickpeas, one can (15 oz)
15 Spinach (5 ounces), chopped up

→ Feta Mix

16 6 ounces of feta, cut into cubes
17 A tablespoon of good quality olive oil (extra virgin)
18 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
19 A quarter teaspoon of dry oregano
20 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano (optional), chopped
21 Extra oregano (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Rub the chicken thighs all over with paprika, oregano, salt, and chili flakes.

Step 02

Warm a skillet on medium heat for a couple of minutes. Drizzle in olive oil, then add the chicken. Cook on each side for about 5 minutes until fully done (165°F inside). Take the chicken out of the pan.

Step 03

Using the same skillet, toss in about half of the tomato halves, along with garlic, salt, and oregano. Stir for two minutes, then add spinach and cook it down until it wilts.

Step 04

Into the veggie mix, stir in the cooked rice, lemon juice, chickpeas, and the tomatoes you set aside. Stir so everything gets warm and mixes well.

Step 05

Toss the feta cubes in a bowl with the olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano. Mix till all cubes are evenly coated.

Step 06

Mix half the feta mixture into the rice. Return the chicken to the pan and top with the remaining feta and some fresh oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

  1. Skip the feta if you need a dairy-free version.
  2. Stick to medium heat to keep your oil from getting too hot and burning.
  3. Don’t dump the juices from the chicken – they make the rice extra flavorful.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large skillet with high sides (cast iron or stainless steel works well).
  • A thermometer to check meat temperature.
  • A medium-sized mixing bowl.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy from the feta cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 755
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 53 g