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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking temperature for the chicken and rice.
- Create a robust flavor profile by generously coating chicken thighs with a blend of salt, pepper, aromatic paprika, and traditional oregano.
- Select a large oven-safe skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat to create an ideal searing surface.
- Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
- Rotate the chicken pieces and cook the opposite side for an additional 3 minutes, then transfer to a temporary holding plate.
- Utilize the same skillet with residual oil and flavorful pan drippings to toast the rice, ensuring each grain absorbs maximum taste.
- Enhance the rice’s complexity by introducing garlic powder, earthy cumin, savory chicken broth, bright lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest, mixing thoroughly.
- Strategically position the seared chicken thighs atop the seasoned rice mixture.
- Shield the skillet with aluminum foil, protecting the ingredients from direct heat and promoting even cooking.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and allow the dish to bake for 35 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and rice to become tender.
- 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.
- Extract from the oven and permit the dish to rest briefly, allowing juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
- 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