Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30-Minute One-Pot Meal) Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant one-pot meal bursting with fresh flavors and hearty ingredients. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines juicy chicken thighs, tangy lemon, and savory feta for a satisfying and easy dinner.

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 canned chickpeas, drained
• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes.
2. Step 2: Heat an empty, high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and place chicken thighs in it. Cook undisturbed on medium heat for 5 minutes. Adjust heat to avoid burning the oil.
4. Step 4: Flip the chicken, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for about 5 more minutes or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add half the grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook on medium heat for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
6. Step 6: Stir in chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Step 7: Add cooked jasmine rice and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Mix well.
8. Step 8: Stir in 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Reheat on medium while stirring. Add an extra tablespoon of olive oil if desired.
9. Step 9: In a medium bowl, combine cubed feta cheese with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and chopped fresh oregano if using. Mix until feta is well coated.
10. Step 10: Stir half of the feta mixture into the skillet with lemon rice.
11. Step 11: Add the cooked chicken slices back to the skillet and reheat gently.
12. Step 12: Top the dish with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add kalamata olives for extra Greek flavor.
• Substitute jasmine rice with basmati or brown rice; adjust cooking and reheating time as needed.
• For a spicier dish, increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For best texture, avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the chicken tender and rice fluffy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This one-pot meal stores well and makes for a convenient, flavorful lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30-Minute One-Pot Meal) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 55 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful one-pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice dish featuring tender chicken thighs seasoned with oregano and paprika, cooked in olive oil, then combined with lemon-infused jasmine rice, grape tomatoes, spinach, chickpeas, and topped with a zesty feta cheese mixture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is perfect for a quick, nutritious, and delicious Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasoning

• 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

Lemon Rice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved (divided)
• 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 canned chickpeas, drained
• 1 tablespoon extra olive oil (optional)

Feta Cheese Mixture

• 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)

Garnish and Seasoning

• Fresh oregano (for garnish)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: In a bowl, coat the chicken thighs evenly with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes to infuse bold Mediterranean flavors.
2. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a high-sided, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the chicken nicely without burning.
3. Cook Chicken (Side One): Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet, then place the chicken thighs in the pan. Cook undisturbed over medium heat for 5 minutes, monitoring oil heat to prevent burning and lock in juices.
4. Cook Chicken (Side Two): Flip the chicken thighs, reduce heat to low-medium, and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Cook Tomatoes and Garlic: Add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the now empty skillet. Sauté on medium heat for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
6. Wilt Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, integrating a fresh vegetable component into the dish.
7. Add Rice and Chickpeas: Mix in the cooked jasmine rice and drained chickpeas, combining thoroughly with the tomato and spinach mixture.
8. Add Lemon Juice and Remaining Tomatoes: Stir in 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice and the remaining uncooked halved grape tomatoes. Reheat on medium heat, stirring to blend flavors. Optionally, add 1 more tablespoon olive oil for richness.
9. Prepare Feta Mixture: In a separate bowl, toss diced feta cheese with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and chopped fresh oregano if using. Coat feta evenly with herbs and oil.
10. Combine Feta and Rice: Stir half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice, melding creamy, tangy flavors into the grain and vegetable blend.
11. Reheat Chicken and Assemble: Add the sliced cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the rice, gently reheating on medium heat to unify the textures and flavors.
12. Finish and Garnish: Top the assembled dish with the remaining feta mixture and sprinkle fresh oregano on top. Season with salt and black pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

• Ensure the skillet is not overheated to avoid burning the oil and chicken juices which are key for flavor.
• Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken.
• Fresh oregano brightens the dish and can be substituted with dried oregano if needed.
• This dish can be made dairy-free by omitting or substituting the feta cheese.
• Leftover rice should be freshly cooked jasmine rice for best texture.
• Drain chickpeas well to avoid excess moisture in the rice.

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon rice, one-pot meal, Mediterranean chicken, feta cheese, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe