Name: Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 15 oz chickpeas, canned; 6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional); Fresh oregano for garnish

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s packed with fresh flavors and nutrients. This one-pot recipe is quick, easy, and can be made in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender chicken thighs, zesty lemon, and fragrant spices paired with wholesome ingredients like spinach, chickpeas, and feta makes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal. It’s a one-pot wonder, which makes cleanup a breeze. Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the chickpeas, and plenty of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, it’s a well-rounded meal that fits into a busy lifestyle. Plus, the bold combination of lemon, oregano, and feta adds an irresistible Mediterranean flair to your dinner table.

Ingredients

Chicken

1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons olive oil

Greek Lemon Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt
5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
15 oz chickpeas, canned

Feta Cheese Mixture

6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
Fresh oregano for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

How to cook chicken

Season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Heat a high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet (like a cast-iron or stainless steel pan) over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan and then add the chicken thighs. Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 5 minutes on one side. Be careful not to let the oil burn. If the skillet gets too hot, reduce the heat to low-medium.
Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for another 5 minutes or longer, until the chicken is fully cooked and registers 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

How to make Greek lemon rice

In the same skillet, add half of the grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook for about 2 minutes over medium heat until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts.
Add the cooked rice and drained chickpeas.
Add 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and the remaining uncooked grape tomatoes. Reheat the mixture on medium heat, stirring everything to combine. You can add an additional tablespoon of olive oil if desired.

How to make feta cheese mixture

In a medium bowl, combine cubed feta cheese with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon of oregano, and chopped fresh oregano (if using).
Toss everything together so that the cheese is well-coated with the olive oil and herbs.

Assembly

Stir half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice.
Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet, reheating everything on medium heat.
Top with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
Add Vegetables: You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or olives to give the dish extra flavor and texture.
Protein Substitution: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave in a covered dish until heated through. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add extra red pepper flakes or include a spicy pepper like jalapeño to the rice for an added kick.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice. However, the cooking time may increase slightly, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t include any wheat-based ingredients.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Frozen spinach can be used in place of fresh spinach. Be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish.

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just be sure not to overcook them to prevent them from drying out.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and chicken in advance, and reheat when ready to serve. However, it’s best to add the fresh feta mixture just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

What other herbs can I use in this dish?

Thyme, rosemary, or basil could be great alternatives to oregano for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

To make it more filling, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a Greek salad for extra bulk.

What can I serve with Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice?

You can pair it with a side of pita bread, a cucumber and tomato salad, or even roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that combines the best of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with healthy ingredients like chicken, spinach, chickpeas, and feta, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients