One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
This One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious meal that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The great flavors of Mediterranean cuisine come together in this dish.
- Quick and easy prep time makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Ideal for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
Chicken and Marinade
- Chicken thighs, skin on, bone in
- Lemons (zest + juice), dried oregano, garlic cloves, salt
Rice - Olive oil, onion, long grain rice, chicken broth, water, dried oregano, salt, black pepper
Garnish - Finely chopped parsley or oregano (optional), fresh lemon zest (highly recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken with lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and salt.
- Sear the chicken in a hot pan until golden brown.
- In the same pan, sauté onions, then add rice, broth, water, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Nestle the chicken back in the pan, cover, and simmer until rice is cooked.
- Garnish with parsley or oregano and lemon zest before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the rice mixture.
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this dish with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, and a glass of chilled white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat, place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs?
- Yes, you can, but the skin adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
- Can I use jasmine rice instead of long grain rice?
- Jasmine rice will work, but adjust the liquid ratio accordingly.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh for garnish?
- Dried herbs can be used, but fresh herbs will provide a brighter flavor.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion:
One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out and experience the flavors of Greece in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your feedback with us!
PrintOne Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pot meal featuring tender Greek chicken thighs and zesty lemon rice, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade:
- 5 chicken thighs, skin on, bone in (about 1 kg / 2 lb)
- 1 – 2 lemons, use the zest + 4 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
Rice:
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil, separated
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup (180g) long grain rice , uncooked
- 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) chicken broth / stock
- 3/4 cup (185 ml) water
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper
Garnish:
- Finely chopped parsley or oregano (optional)
- Fresh lemon zest (highly recommended)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Combine chicken thighs, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and salt. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Cook the rice: Sauté onion, add rice, broth, water, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Cook the chicken: Brown chicken, then transfer to the oven to finish cooking.
- Combine: Serve chicken on a bed of lemon rice, garnished with parsley and lemon zest.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add olives or cherry tomatoes to the dish.
- Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for a more pronounced citrus flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh with rice
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg