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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant and flavorful one-pot meal combining juicy, tender chicken marinated with fresh herbs and citrus, alongside fluffy, aromatic lemon-infused rice. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a healthy and balanced dish with minimal cleanup, capturing classic Mediterranean flavors effortlessly.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 4–6 boneless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Rice and Cooking

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 3/4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless chicken thighs and coat them evenly. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and sear the marinated chicken thighs on each side until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side, locking in juices and creating a flavorful crust.
  3. Prepare the Lemon Rice: Remove the chicken temporarily and set aside. In the same pan, add the rice and stir it into the flavorful oils and drippings, toasting lightly for 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt, then bring to a simmer.
  4. Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken on top of the rice. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let cook gently for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Turn off the heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to fluff up perfectly. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor; thighs perform better than breasts in this recipe.
  • Don’t skip searing the chicken; browning adds essential flavor and texture.
  • Toast the rice lightly in the pan oil before adding broth to enhance nuttiness.
  • Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest significantly improve the brightness and flavor.
  • Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the rice to absorb remaining moisture and fluff up.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon rice, one-pot meal, Mediterranean recipe, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken and rice

Find it online: https://mealsbysarah.com/greek-chicken-and-lemon-rice/