Zesty Lemon & Chicken Rice Recipe: Bright Flavors in One Pan

Sunshine and citrus dance together in this vibrant chicken and lemon rice that promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

The zesty combination of tender chicken and bright lemon creates a meal that sings with freshness.

Weeknight dinners rarely get this exciting or simple to prepare.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tangy and savory notes that will make your taste buds celebrate.

Skillfully marinated chicken nestles into fluffy rice, infusing every grain with aromatic goodness.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings when you want something delicious without hours of preparation.

One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen, where simple ingredients become something extraordinary.

Serving Greek Chicken and Rice Hot and Fresh

• Mediterranean Feast Plate: Arrange the chicken and lemon rice on a large platter with colorful Greek-style side dishes like kalamata olives, cucumber salad, and warm pita bread for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
• Creamy Tzatziki Companion: Serve a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce on the side to complement the warm, spicy chicken and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Family-Style Sharing Approach: Place the skillet directly on the table and let everyone serve themselves, creating a casual and interactive dining experience that feels warm and inviting.
• Fresh Herb Brightness: Sprinkle extra fresh oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving to boost the herbal notes and add a zesty, vibrant finish to the meal.

Storage Advice for Greek Chicken Leftovers

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store this dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain best texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Quick Reheating Hack: Warm chicken and rice separately in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out the meat.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Chicken and rice can be frozen for 2-3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare chicken and rice components in advance during weekly cooking sessions. Keep feta mixture separately in a small sealed container to add fresh flavor just before serving. This approach saves time and ensures maximum taste when assembling quick meals.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 532 kcal

Servings: 5

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and juicy protein that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Dried Oregano: Adds classic Mediterranean herbal essence, look for vibrant green color and strong aroma.
• Paprika: Brings warm, sweet undertones and gorgeous reddish color, select high-quality Hungarian or Spanish varieties.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Delivers subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden sear and helps spices adhere to chicken, opt for extra virgin for best taste.

• Grape Tomatoes, Spinach: Fresh produce adding color, nutrition, and bright Mediterranean feel, choose ripe and crisp ingredients.
• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic foundation, select firm cloves without sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Supports sautéing and adds rich undertone, choose cold-pressed varieties.
• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant base that complements chicken, rinse before cooking for fluffy texture.
• Chickpeas: Introduces protein and creamy texture, look for no-salt-added canned version.
• Lemon Juice: Brings zesty brightness, use freshly squeezed for maximum flavor.
• Salt: Balances overall seasoning, sprinkle sparingly.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy, crumbly cheese that adds Mediterranean authenticity, select high-quality Greek varieties.

Tools to Cook Greek Chicken and Rice with Ease

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and cooking the entire dish.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken thighs and moving ingredients around the pan.
• Small bowl: Needed for mixing feta cheese topping.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping garlic, tomatoes, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure spices and seasonings accurately.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and combining ingredients in the skillet.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken is cooked to safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Cooking Instructions for Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice

• Chicken Preparation

Gather your favorite chicken thighs and infuse them with a blend of Mediterranean spices. Let the herbs and seasonings dance across the meat, creating a flavorful foundation for your meal.

• Skillet Magic

Warm up a trusty skillet and transform the seasoned chicken into a golden masterpiece. Cook each side carefully until the meat reaches perfect tenderness and a beautiful crispy exterior.

• Vegetable Symphony

Create a vibrant base in the same skillet by combining soft tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and leafy spinach. Allow the vegetables to mingle and release their rich flavors.

• Rice and Companions

Introduce fluffy rice and hearty chickpeas to the skillet. Splash in bright lemon juice to awaken the entire dish with a zesty spark. Gently fold everything together until thoroughly heated.

• Creamy Cheese Finale

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish, letting its tangy essence merge with the warm ingredients. Top with fresh herbs for a gorgeous presentation that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Tips for Tangy and Savory Greek Chicken Meals

• Marinate chicken thighs for 30 minutes before cooking to intensify Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and tenderness.
• Replace chickpeas with white beans or substitute spinach with kale for a different nutritional profile and texture variation.
• Clean the skillet between chicken and rice steps to prevent burning while maintaining delicious pan-developed flavors from initial searing.
• Prepare rice and chicken components separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing quick assembly during busy weeknights.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by ensuring rice and chickpeas are certified gluten-free, and create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu.

Zesty Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Home cooks adore this comforting chicken and lemon rice recipe that blends Mediterranean flavors with simple ingredients. Zesty citrus notes and tender chicken create a perfect meal that delights palates and satisfies hunger quickly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 15 oz (425 grams) canned chickpeas, drained
• 6 oz (170 grams) feta cheese, diced into small cubes
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 8 oz (227 grams) grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsps freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• Fresh oregano for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes, ensuring complete and even coverage.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat skillet with olive oil over medium temperature, strategically sear chicken pieces until golden brown, then reduce heat and cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In the same skillet, sauté diced tomatoes, minced garlic, additional oregano, and salt, creating a robust flavor base. Integrate fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt and become tender.
4. Rice Composition: Combine cooked rice, chickpeas, remaining tomatoes, and fresh lemon juice into the skillet, gently stirring to meld flavors and distribute heat evenly.
5. Feta Enhancement: Whisk feta cheese with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano in a separate bowl, creating a creamy, zesty sauce that will elevate the dish’s complexity.
6. Final Assembly: Incorporate half the feta mixture into the lemon rice, positioning the perfectly cooked chicken on top. Reheat gently to harmonize flavors and textures.
7. Presentation: Garnish with remaining feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves, making final seasoning adjustments to ensure a balanced, delectable Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Notes

• Chicken Searing Technique: Brown chicken on medium heat for golden, crispy exterior while maintaining juicy interior, ensuring perfect doneness without drying out meat.
• Skillet Flavor Layering: Use same skillet after chicken to capture caramelized bits, intensifying overall dish depth and transferring rich, concentrated flavors into subsequent ingredients.
• Temperature Control: Monitor chicken’s internal temperature precisely at 165°F to guarantee food safety without overcooking, preserving tender meat texture.
• Feta Mixture Consistency: Blend feta sauce until smooth and creamy, creating a zesty coating that enhances rice and chicken with tangy Mediterranean character.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 532
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 498 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg