Quick & Zesty Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Greek chicken and lemon rice revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into a Mediterranean masterpiece bursting with sunny, vibrant flavors.

Ancient culinary traditions dance through this simple yet sophisticated combination of protein and grain.

Fragrant herbs mingle with zesty citrus, creating an aromatic experience that instantly transports you to coastal Greek landscapes.

Carefully selected spices elevate each bite, promising a harmony of tangy and savory notes.

Succulent chicken becomes the perfect partner for rice that’s infused with bright, refreshing lemon essence.

The dish celebrates simplicity while delivering complex, layered taste sensations that feel both comforting and exciting.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that captures the spirit of Greek home cooking.

Pairing Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Salad

• Boost Mediterranean Flavors: Pair this Greek chicken dish with a crisp, dry white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini, which complements the lemony brightness and cuts through the rich chicken.
• Create Refreshing Contrast: Serve alongside a tangy Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and kalamata olives to add fresh crunch and balance the warm, hearty chicken and rice.
• Enhance Herbal Notes: Offer tzatziki sauce on the side, made with cool yogurt, cucumber, and dill, which provides a creamy, herbal counterpoint to the spiced chicken and adds a cooling element to the meal.
• Complete Mediterranean Experience: Finish with a small glass of ouzo or a light, citrusy dessert like lemon sorbet to echo the dish's bright, zesty profile and cleanse the palate.

Fun Variations of Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Mediterranean Seafood Swap: Replace chicken thighs with succulent white fish like cod or sea bass, keeping the same seasoning profile and cooking technique for a lighter protein option.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or roasted portobello mushrooms, maintaining the herb-infused rice and vegetable components for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Moroccan Inspiration: Add harissa paste and cumin to the chicken seasoning, incorporate preserved lemons into the rice mixture, and top with toasted almonds for a North African flavor profile.
• Quick Meal Prep Version: Use rotisserie chicken instead of searing thighs, pre-cooked rice, and canned chickpeas to reduce cooking time while preserving the original recipe's vibrant Mediterranean essence.

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice: A Mediterranean Delight

• Savor Bold Mediterranean Flavors: Experience a vibrant explosion of oregano, paprika, and lemon that transports your taste buds straight to the Greek coastline with every delicious bite.
• Enjoy Quick and Nutritious Meal Prep: This one-skillet wonder delivers a complete balanced meal in under 30 minutes, packed with protein from chicken and chickpeas, plus spinach for extra nutrition.
• Create Texture-Rich Culinary Adventure: Combine crispy seared chicken, soft wilted spinach, hearty rice, and creamy feta for a multi-dimensional eating experience that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Learn an easy method of building layers of flavor by using the same skillet, which minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste development through strategic ingredient layering.

Key Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that provides the main protein for the dish, best when bone-in and skin-on for extra richness.
• Chickpeas: Hearty legume that adds plant-based protein and creamy texture to the rice mixture.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that brings a creamy and salty element, crumbled for easy mixing and topping.

• Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that adds aromatic flavor to both chicken and rice, fresh or dried works well.
• Paprika: Warm spice that gives a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and spicy kick to the dish.
• Salt: Essential for enhancing and balancing all flavors in the recipe.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides depth and pungent flavor to the dish.

• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy ingredient that adds acidity and natural sweetness to the rice mixture.
• Spinach: Nutrient-rich green that wilts beautifully and adds color and freshness.
• Lemon: Bright citrus that provides acidity and freshness to both chicken and rice.

• Olive Oil: High-quality oil used for searing chicken and adding richness to the feta mixture.
• Rice: Fluffy base for the dish that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Step 1: Spice and Sear the Chicken

Blend oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes to season chicken thighs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook on low-medium heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Base

• Tomatoes
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Salt

• Cooked rice
• Chickpeas
• Remaining tomatoes
• Lemon juice

Mix and heat thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare Zesty Feta Blend

• Feta cheese
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Oregano

Step 4: Combine and Warm

Stir half the feta mixture into the skillet with lemon rice. Place cooked chicken on top and reheat.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Garnish with remaining feta and fresh oregano. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Pat chicken thighs dry before seasoning to help create a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance herb absorption.
• Perfect Rice Technique: Use day-old rice or freshly cooked rice that's slightly cooled to prevent mushiness and maintain ideal texture.
• Boost Herb Intensity: Crush dried oregano between your fingers before adding to release more aromatic oils and deepen the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Feta Finishing Touch: Let feta mixture come to room temperature before stirring into the rice to ensure smooth and even distribution of flavors.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to precisely check chicken doneness, ensuring juicy meat without overcooking.

Storing and Reheating Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Greek chicken and lemon rice in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food quality. Properly stored, these leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a portion of the chicken and rice in a microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle a few drops of water or extra lemon juice to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel, then heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Skillet Reheating: Revive the dish's original flavors by gently reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Greek chicken with tangy lemon rice brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table. Herbal oregano, bright citrus, and tender chicken create a simple yet spectacular meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 lb (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
• 15 oz (425 grams) canned chickpeas, drained

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 8 oz (227 grams) grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
• 6 oz (170 grams) feta cheese, diced into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• Fresh oregano for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by generously coating thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with olive oil (29.5 milliliters or ). Sear chicken pieces for approximately 5 minutes until golden brown on one side, then reduce heat and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring thorough and even cooking.
2. Using the same skillet, create a vibrant base by sautéing diced tomatoes, minced garlic, additional oregano, and a pinch of salt. As tomatoes soften and release their juices, introduce fresh spinach and allow it to gently wilt and become tender.
3. Incorporate cooked rice, chickpeas, remaining tomatoes, and fresh lemon juice into the skillet. Carefully stir ingredients to blend flavors and generate uniform heat throughout the mixture.
4. In a separate small bowl, craft a creamy feta mixture by combining crumbled feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of oregano. Blend ingredients until they form a cohesive, zesty sauce.
5. Fold half of the prepared feta mixture directly into the lemon rice, creating a rich and tangy base. Carefully place the perfectly cooked chicken atop the rice, gently reheating to merge flavors.
6. Finish the dish by garnishing with remaining feta cheese and fresh oregano leaves. Taste and make final seasoning adjustments before serving to ensure a balanced and delectable meal.

Notes

• Prep ahead by seasoning chicken and chopping ingredients to streamline cooking process.
• Searing chicken creates a golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors and adds delicious texture.
• Cooking in the same skillet allows ingredients to absorb rich, layered flavors from previous steps.
• Mixing feta with lemon and olive oil creates a creamy, tangy sauce that brightens the entire dish.
• Fresh oregano adds a final burst of aromatic herbaceousness that elevates the Greek-inspired meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 75g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg