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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 satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in lemon, garlic, and herbs, served alongside fluffy lemon-infused rice cooked in chicken broth. This easy, flavorful recipe balances bold citrus and herb flavors with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep with delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Rice

  • 1 cup long grain or basmati rice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts, coating them thoroughly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse bright, herby flavors.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and avoid clumping. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat and lightly toast the rice for about one minute. Add the chicken broth and a pinch of salt, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and finish cooking in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or continue cooking on the skillet over low heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  4. Combine and Finish: Once the chicken is cooked through, fluff the lemon rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley. Serve the chicken on top of or alongside the rice, pouring any pan juices over the dish for extra flavor and moisture.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for brighter citrus notes rather than bottled lemon juice alone.
  • Rinsing the rice thoroughly removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains.
  • Cooking the rice in chicken broth enriches the flavor significantly compared to using water.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving to brighten the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon rice, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free, one pot meal option

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