The Sun-Kissed Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

When life hands you a culinary challenge, this greek chicken and lemon rice emerges as a vibrant solution to dinner dilemmas.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate with zesty brightness.

Tender chicken pieces nestle into fragrant rice, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and excitement.

Simple ingredients from your pantry transform into an extraordinary meal that whispers of sunny Aegean coastlines.

Fresh herbs and tangy citrus elevate every single bite beyond ordinary expectations.

Rich, satisfying aromas will fill your kitchen with irresistible anticipation.

Savor each spoonful and let this recipe transport you to a Greek taverna.

Reheat Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Store cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place chicken and rice on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth over the rice to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer chicken and rice to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating using microwave or oven method.

What Goes Well with Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Zesty Wine Companion: Crisp Assyrtiko white wine from Greece perfectly complements the lemon and herb flavors, enhancing the chicken's tanginess with its mineral undertones.
• Herbal Salad Sidekick: Create a Mediterranean-style Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to add freshness and balance the grilled chicken's richness.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Serve chilled tzatziki as a cooling sauce alongside the dish, pairing wonderfully with the lemony rice and providing a creamy contrast to the grilled meat.
• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Add small appetizers like kalamata olives, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and hummus to create a full Mediterranean dining experience that elevates the main course.

Greek Chicken Rice with Tasty Alternatives

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Swap: Replace traditional rice with grated cauliflower rice for a lower-carbohydrate, keto-friendly version that maintains the lemony Greek flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with marinated tofu or grilled halloumi cheese, using the same Greek-inspired marinade and cooking techniques for a plant-based meal.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Version: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy-based marinades to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
• One-Pan Mediterranean Bake: Transform the recipe into a sheet pan meal by roasting marinated chicken and seasoned cauliflower rice together, reducing cleanup and cooking time while preserving authentic Greek flavors.

FAQs

• What makes the marinade special in this Greek chicken recipe?

The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant and flavorful coating that tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with classic Greek Mediterranean flavors.

• Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

While the recipe uses standard white rice, you can substitute with long-grain rice or basmati rice. Brown rice will require longer cooking time and more liquid, so adjust accordingly to ensure proper cooking.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should no longer be pink in the center and have a white, opaque appearance when fully cooked.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Greek chicken and lemon rice dish can be prepared ahead of time. Store the chicken and rice separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently before serving.

Greek Chicken With Rice That Feels Bright And Filling

• Speedster Weeknight Meal: Whips up in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Flavor-Packed Marinade Magic: Infuses chicken with zesty Mediterranean-inspired ingredients like lemon, oregano, and garlic, creating bold taste profiles that elevate simple protein.
• Healthy Protein Powerhouse: Delivers lean chicken breast with vibrant, nutritious rice side dish, offering balanced meal packed with protein and bright citrus notes without heavy calories.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe works brilliantly for casual family dinners, weekend gatherings, or quick meal prep, satisfying diverse taste preferences with minimal kitchen effort.

What You’ll Need for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein for the main dish, fresh and boneless work best.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Creates flavorful and tenderizing coating for chicken.
• Oregano, Garlic: Classic Greek herbs and aromatics for depth of flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth and subtle heat to the dish.

• White Rice, Chicken Broth: Base for creating flavorful lemon rice.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus notes that complement the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasoning to enhance rice flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

Lemon Rice and Greek Chicken Cooking Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.

Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade inside a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to let the flavors meld deeply.

Step 2: Prepare Zesty Lemon Rice

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Add rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes while stirring occasionally.

• Chicken broth
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all liquid.

Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork.

Keep warm.

Step 3: Grill Succulent Chicken

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Remove chicken from marinade and grill 6-7 minutes per side.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is completely white in the center.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Place grilled chicken atop lemon rice.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Optional: Add an extra drizzle of lemon juice for bright, tangy flavor.

Chicken Rice Tips with a Greek Lemon Finish

• Let the chicken soak up the marinade for the full 2 hours to develop deeper, more intense flavors that will make each bite incredibly delicious.
• Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F, guaranteeing juicy meat without overcooking or risking foodborne illness.
• Add extra lemon zest to the rice or sprinkle fresh parsley just before serving to brighten the entire dish and add a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs or substitute with tofu for a vegetarian version while keeping the same delicious Greek-inspired marinade.

Greek Chicken And Lemon Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken nestles atop zesty lemon rice, creating a Mediterranean masterpiece that whisks diners straight to sunny Greek islands. Fragrant herbs and tangy citrus dance together, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Grains:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Herbs and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the chicken and rice.
2. Create a robust flavor profile by generously coating chicken thighs with a blend of salt, pepper, aromatic paprika, and traditional oregano.
3. Select a large oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat to create an ideal searing surface.
4. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
5. Rotate the chicken pieces and cook the opposite side for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a temporary holding plate.
6. Utilize the same skillet with residual oil and flavorful pan drippings to toast the rice, ensuring each grain absorbs maximum taste.
7. Enhance the rice’s complexity by introducing garlic powder, earthy cumin, savory chicken broth, bright lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, mixing thoroughly.
8. Strategically position the seared chicken thighs atop the seasoned rice mixture.
9. Shield the skillet with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat and promoting even cooking.
10. Transfer to the preheated oven and allow the dish to bake for 35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to become tender.
11. Remove the foil covering to expose the chicken, enabling the skin to crisp and turn a delectable golden brown during an additional 10-minute baking period.
12. Extract from the oven and permit the dish to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
13. Finish by scattering freshly chopped parsley and presenting alongside bright, zesty lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus.

Notes

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum golden-brown crispiness when searing.
• Use homemade or high-quality low-sodium chicken broth for deeper flavor complexity in the rice.
• Fresh oregano can replace dried for a more vibrant, intense Mediterranean taste profile.
• Replace chicken thighs with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, adjusting cooking time and liquid accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg