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If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm Mediterranean hug, you must try this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe. It brings together tender, golden chicken breasts kissed with fragrant oregano and lemon zest, resting on a bed of perfectly cooked, fluffy lemon-infused rice. This one-skillet wonder is a simple yet stunning meal that fills your kitchen with sunny, fresh aromas and leaves you wanting seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to capturing those classic Greek flavors. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to create layers of bright, savory goodness and a comforting texture that melts in your mouth.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that stays juicy and tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings that unmistakable earthy, herbaceous essence of the Mediterranean.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances savory undertones without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Bursts with fresh citrus aroma, brightening every bite.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Packs a tangy punch that balances the rich chicken and rice.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides savory moisture making the rice perfectly tender.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The fluffy, fragrant base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and melds the dish’s components seamlessly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right touch of spice to keep things interesting.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: A fresh, bright garnish that tops off the meal beautifully.
How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Meanwhile, pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this simple step helps the olive oil and seasonings cling perfectly, ensuring a golden-brown finish.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Rub olive oil generously on both sides of each chicken breast, then sprinkle on dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. This combo creates a vibrant crust packed with traditional Greek flavors. Heat your oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until just beautifully browned. This caramelization is what gives the chicken distinct depth and texture.
Step 3: Build the Lemony Rice Base
Remove the seared chicken and set it aside briefly. Pour chicken broth into the hot skillet, scraping up those flavorful brown bits stuck to the bottom—that’s pure gold for your dish. Stir in lemon juice and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Then add the rice, stirring to coat every grain in that savory liquid. These steps guarantee your rice will soak up every drop of bright, zesty flavor.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Nestle the chicken breasts back on top of the rice, cover the skillet with a lid or foil, and pop it into your preheated oven. Let everything bake for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The gentle baking melds the flavors beautifully and cooks the rice to fluffy perfection right beneath the succulent chicken.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let your skillet sit covered for five minutes to set all those delicious juices. Finally, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the top—this finishing touch adds a lovely burst of green freshness and an inviting aroma just before serving.
How to Serve Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is classic and bright, but you can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra zing. A drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving can elevate the dish with a silky richness that feels indulgent.
Side Dishes
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a refreshing contrast. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans also complement the meal nicely, balancing the hearty rice and chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual cast iron skillets or shallow bowls to keep it warm and highlight the rustic charm. You can also sprinkle some crumbled feta on top for a creamy, tangy layer that adds extra Greek flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, this dish stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or easy dinner option.
Freezing
While the lemon rice texture changes slightly upon freezing, you can freeze leftover portions in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Be sure to heat until warmed through but avoid overcooking to keep the chicken tender and the rice fluffy.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks will add extra flavor and juiciness. Just adjust cooking time accordingly—usually around 35-40 minutes in the oven.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an oven-safe skillet?
Yes, you can sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer the rice and broth to a baking dish before placing the chicken on top to bake. Just cover tightly with foil to keep moisture in.
Can I substitute the long-grain rice with another type?
While long-grain rice works best for fluffy texture, you can use basmati or jasmine rice as alternatives. Avoid quick-cooking rice types as they may turn mushy.
How lemony will the dish be? Is it tangy or subtle?
The lemon flavor here is bright and refreshing but balanced—not overpowering—thanks to the combination of zest and juice, which mingle perfectly with herbs and savory broth.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it ideal if you are avoiding those ingredients. Just double-check your broth ingredients if avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe is a true keeper for anyone who loves simple cooking with vibrant, memorable flavors. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a weekday dinner or a special weekend feast. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just discover a new all-time favorite!
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Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe combines juicy, golden-browned chicken breasts with flavorful lemon-infused rice for a wholesome and comforting meal. The chicken is seasoned with aromatic oregano, garlic, onion, and lemon zest, then seared on the stovetop before finishing in the oven alongside tender, fluffy rice simmered in chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers bright, Mediterranean-inspired flavors perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice and Broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and rice.
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring better browning.
- Oil Chicken: Rub both sides of each chicken breast with olive oil to help seasonings adhere and promote golden browning.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts for bold Mediterranean flavor.
- Heat Skillet: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until hot, ready for searing the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and nicely seared.
- Remove Chicken: Take the browned chicken out of the skillet and set aside on a plate to keep warm temporarily.
- Deglaze Skillet: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom with a wooden spoon to add flavor to the rice.
- Simmer Broth: Stir in the lemon juice and bring the broth to a gentle simmer to infuse it with citrus brightness.
- Add Rice: Stir the long-grain rice into the simmering broth in the skillet, ensuring it is evenly distributed and covered by the liquid.
- Return Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts back on top of the rice in the skillet to cook together.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven to bake for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Rest Dish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Greek chicken and lemon rice warm, optionally garnished with additional parsley for presentation.
Notes
- Using an oven-safe skillet is essential to transfer the dish from stovetop to oven seamlessly.
- Patting chicken dry before oiling ensures better browning and prevents steaming.
- Adjust lemon juice amount to taste for brighter or milder citrus flavor.
- Long-grain rice works best; avoid quick-cooking rice varieties.
- Letting the dish rest after baking helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid fully.
