Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. The best part? It's made in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of chicken, rice, chickpeas, and fresh veggies makes it a well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s versatile – you can make it dairy-free by swapping the feta cheese and experiment with different vegetables and grains.

Ingredients

• Skinless boneless chicken thighs

• Jasmine or basmati rice

• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

• Grape tomatoes

• Spinach

• Feta cheese (or vegan feta for dairy-free)

• Olive oil

• Lemon juice

• Paprika

• Oregano

• Salt and pepper

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

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, seasoned with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

3. Add the chickpeas, grape tomatoes, spinach, and lemon juice to the skillet. Pour in water or broth, then return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

4. Stir in the feta cheese, if using, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Rice: You can swap the jasmine rice for basmati, long-grain, or even brown rice (though brown rice will require a longer cooking time).

• Vegetables: Add your favorite Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, or zucchini.

• Cheese: If you prefer, you can use Parmesan, mozzarella, or skip the cheese entirely for a dairy-free option.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftover Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: This dish is freezer-friendly and can be stored for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove with a bit of olive oil or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and forgiving during cooking.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Simply swap the feta cheese for vegan feta or leave it out completely.

3. Can I use brown rice in this recipe?

Yes, brown rice will work, but it will take longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

4. What vegetables can I add to this recipe?

Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, artichokes, or even some arugula to enhance the flavor.

5. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer.

6. What kind of rice should I use for this recipe?

Jasmine or basmati rice works best for this recipe, but you can also use other long-grain rice varieties.

7. How do I prevent the rice from burning?

Make sure to stir the rice occasionally and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pan. Covering the skillet while cooking also helps prevent burning.

8. Can I add different beans to this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chickpeas with other beans like cannellini or even cooked lentils.

9. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to increase the heat.

10. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with fish, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a quick, nutritious, and delicious one-pot meal perfect for any day of the week. With its mix of tender chicken, flavorful rice, fresh veggies, and tangy feta cheese, this recipe will soon become a family favorite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a hearty dinner, this dish is both satisfying and versatile. Enjoy!

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This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pot meal that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Featuring juicy chicken, fragrant rice, fresh veggies, and tangy feta cheese, it's the perfect dish for busy nights or meal prepping. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Skinless boneless chicken thighs

Jasmine or basmati rice

Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)

Grape tomatoes

Spinach

Feta cheese (or vegan feta for dairy-free)

Olive oil

Lemon juice

Paprika

Oregano

Salt and pepper

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Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

• Add chickpeas, grape tomatoes, spinach, and lemon juice to the skillet. Pour in water or broth and return the chicken to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

• Stir in feta cheese (optional) and serve hot.

Notes

• You can swap the rice for basmati, long-grain, or even brown rice (though brown rice will need longer cooking time).

• Add your favorite Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes.

• Use Parmesan, mozzarella, or skip cheese for a dairy-free version.