Description
Mediterranean sunshine fills kitchens with Authentic Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, a delightful symphony of zesty flavors dancing across tender chicken and fragrant rice. Crisp herbs and tangy lemon create a soul-warming meal that connects you directly to Greek culinary traditions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh Produce:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Fresh herbs for garnish (such as dill or parsley)
Grains and Seasonings:
- 1 cup brown rice (or jasmine rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat at 350°F. Generously coat chicken thighs with oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate to rest.
- Utilize the same skillet with remaining chicken drippings. Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Pour chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest into the skillet. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover skillet and simmer rice for 25-30 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed and rice becomes tender.
- Incorporate chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach into the rice. Stir and cook for additional 5 minutes until spinach wilts and ingredients are heated evenly.
- Slice grilled chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces while rice mixture finishes cooking.
- Fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light texture.
- Arrange sliced chicken atop rice mixture. Generously sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs for vibrant flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness, which helps prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
- Zest the lemon before juicing to maximize the citrusy brightness and aromatic quality of the dish.
- Toast the rice briefly in the skillet before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Swap chicken thighs with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the Mediterranean-inspired taste profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg