Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice Recipe: A Zesty Homemade Delight

Crispy, golden greek lemon chicken promises a Mediterranean culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Succulent pieces of poultry marinate in zesty citrus and herbs, creating an irresistible aroma.

Fragrant rice accompanies this classic dish, absorbing every delightful drop of tangy sauce.

Garlic and oregano weave magic through each tender bite, transporting you straight to a sunny Greek island.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks can master this recipe with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to savor a plate that speaks of comfort, tradition, and pure deliciousness.

What You’ll Need For Easy Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the primary component of this delicious Greek-inspired dish.
• Rice: Fluffy grain that provides a perfect base for the flavorful chicken.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Create a bright, tangy flavor profile that enhances the chicken's taste.
• Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasonings that add depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Adds richness and moisture to the rice.
• Onion, Fresh Parsley: Provide additional layers of flavor and a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.

Simple Directions For Easy Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Bathe Chicken in Flavor

• Chicken breasts
• Prepared marinade

Transfer chicken to a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Chicken should be fully cooked with no pink center.

Step 4: Prepare Aromatic Rice Base

• Olive oil
• Onion
• Garlic

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Toast and Season Rice

Add rice to the saucepan, stirring for 1 minute to lightly toast and enhance its nutty flavor.

Step 6: Simmer Rice with Broth

• Chicken broth
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon juice

Pour in chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Bring mixture to a boil.

Step 7: Cook Rice Gently

Reduce heat to low, cover saucepan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs all liquid.

Step 8: Finish and Garnish

Remove rice from heat. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh chopped parsley. Serve chicken alongside the fragrant rice, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

Best Cooking Tips For Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense lemon and herb flavors that penetrate the meat thoroughly.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest to boost the citrusy brightness and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy texture.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to develop a nutty, rich flavor and prevent clumping during cooking.

Ways To Switch Up Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Mediterranean Herb Blast: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for an aromatic herb-packed version that transports your taste buds to a Greek countryside.
• Spicy Citrus Kick: Add red pepper flakes and swap lemon juice with a mix of lemon and orange juice to create a zesty, heat-infused chicken that tingles your palate.
• Garlic Lovers' Dream: Double the garlic quantity and incorporate roasted garlic cloves into both chicken marinade and rice for an intense, robust flavor profile that garlic enthusiasts will adore.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Mix diced bell peppers, zucchini, and kalamata olives into the rice during cooking to transform the dish into a colorful, vegetable-rich meal with authentic Greek character.

What To Pair With Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon and herb notes in the chicken, enhancing the citrusy flavor profile.
• Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Toss together a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and oregano to mirror the dish's Mediterranean ingredients.
• Match with Herbal Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, lemony chicken and rice.

How To Store Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Store cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze chicken and rice for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through.

Common Questions On Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly! They’re often more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165F internal temperature.

• How can I make this recipe more spicy?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the rice for extra heat. Start with a small amount and increase to your preferred spice level.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Greek lemon chicken and rice recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• What herbs work best with this dish?

Besides parsley and oregano, fresh dill or mint can enhance the Mediterranean flavors. These herbs complement the lemon and chicken wonderfully and add brightness to the dish.

Why Easy Greek Lemon Chicken With Rice Is A Hit

• Blast of Mediterranean Flavor: Pack your plate with zesty lemon, aromatic oregano, and fresh parsley that transport your taste buds straight to Greece without leaving home.
• Quick Weeknight Champion: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that guarantee delicious results every single time.
• Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Combine lean protein from chicken with hearty rice, creating a balanced meal loaded with herbs and clean ingredients that nourish your body and satisfy your hunger.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Perfect for family meals, date nights, or casual gatherings where everyone craves something delicious yet uncomplicated that doesn't compromise on taste or quality.

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean kitchens come alive with Greek Lemon Chicken, a zesty dish blending tangy citrus and herb-infused rice. Succulent chicken pieces marinated in garlic, lemon, and oregano promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces/170 grams each)

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken breasts completely in the marinade within a sealed container, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
3. Preheat a skillet to medium heat and carefully transfer marinated chicken, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165F, achieving a golden exterior and fully cooked interior.
4. Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate, allowing brief resting time to retain moisture.
5. In a separate saucepan, warm olive oil over medium heat, then incorporate chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
6. Introduce rice to the saucepan, gently stirring to lightly toast grains and enhance nutty undertones.
7. Pour chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice into the rice mixture. Increase heat to generate a vigorous boil.
8. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover saucepan, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice achieves tender consistency and liquid completely absorbs.
9. Remove rice from heat, delicately fluff with a fork to separate grains, and fold in fresh parsley for vibrant herbaceous notes.
10. Garnish chicken with additional chopped parsley and serve alongside aromatic rice.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally overnight in the refrigerator to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness, preventing dry chicken while guaranteeing food safety.
• Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for more moisture and richer flavor profile if preferred.
• Add extra lemon zest for brighter citrus notes, transforming the dish from good to extraordinary with minimal effort.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 321 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg