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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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