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Chicken Lemon Rice

Featured in Juicy chicken done your way.

In just half an hour, you’ll enjoy this flavorful chicken and lemony rice dish. Juicy chicken thighs spiced with oregano and paprika sit on citrusy rice packed with spinach, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Creamy feta completes the tangy bite, but skip it for a dairy-free option. This high-protein, gluten-free dish is deliciously flexible for everyone’s needs.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:13:14 GMT
A dark bowl filled with lemony rice, chicken, and fresh vegetables. Pin it
A dark bowl filled with lemony rice, chicken, and fresh vegetables. | tasteofsavor.com

This country-style Greek one-pot chicken and tangy lemon rice brings together juicy meat with flavorful grains in a delightful blend of Mediterranean tastes. Vibrant herbs, crumbly feta, and colorful veggies create a filling dinner that brings the warmth of traditional Greek cooking right to your table.

Just like treasured family cooking secrets, this meal fills your home with tempting smells that pull everyone toward the dining room. When the pot's empty, you know you've made something truly special.

Key Components

  • Chicken thighs: Go for similar-sized, trimmed pieces with good fat marbling for extra juiciness
  • Jasmine rice: Pick even, fragrant grains that cook up airy and soft
  • Fresh lemons: Grab weighty, sunny fruits with slim, aromatic peels
  • Grape tomatoes: Choose sturdy, mature ones with bright coloring
  • Baby spinach: Get perky, vibrant leaves with good bite
  • Chickpeas: Make sure to rinse them thoroughly for improved taste
  • Greek feta: Real sheep milk cheese adds genuine flavor notes

Having real citrus makes all the difference - those zingy lemon flavors boost everything else while balancing the richness of the meal.

Cooking Instructions

Rice Handling:
Wash rice completely until water looks clear. Good washing stops it from getting sticky.
Preparing Chicken:
Dry thighs with paper towels and add plenty of salt, pepper and oregano. Let sit for 15 minutes.
Flavor Base:
Chop onion, crush garlic, grate lemon skin and squeeze juice.
First Steps:
Warm oil in big skillet until it shimmers before cooking anything.
Creating Taste:
Cook onions till golden brown, quickly add garlic, then stir in rice.
Adding Moisture:
Mix broth with lemon juice, heat until bubbling.
Combining Everything:
Put in chicken, tomatoes, chickpeas in order. Top with spinach and feta.
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. | tasteofsavor.com

After making this dish countless times, I've learned that taking your time really pays off. Letting everything rest helps all the ingredients reach their best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy with a simple Greek salad and hot herby pita bread. A spoonful of homemade tzatziki adds a cool, creamy element that works wonderfully.

Tasty Variations

Try big portobello mushrooms instead for a meat-free option or add seafood for a coastal twist. Using brown rice makes it heartier with added nutrients.

Keeping Leftovers

Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The taste gets even better overnight. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep everything moist.

Serving Ideas

Place in a wide serving dish, sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon slices. The natural food colors look amazing together. Bring extra feta and herbs to the table.

Health Perks

This well-rounded meal shows off healthy Mediterranean cooking with its mix of lean protein, whole grains, veggies and good fats.

A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. | tasteofsavor.com

I've found that caring about the small stuff during cooking always leads to amazing results. This beloved meal blends cooking know-how and family tradition into a dinner everyone will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken thighs with breasts?
Of course! Just cook the breasts for less time to keep them juicy and tender.
→ How can I skip the dairy?
Just leave out the feta cheese! The lemon and herbs bring all the flavor you need.
→ Is it okay to use different rice?
Yes! Jasmine rice is great, but any cooked rice you’ve got will work well.
→ Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to three days and reheat when you’re ready to dig in.
→ What can I use instead of chickpeas?
White beans or cannellini beans are nice alternatives, or you can skip them entirely if you prefer.

Chicken Lemon Rice

A quick and tasty one-pan meal featuring chicken, tangy rice, veggies, and creamy feta, ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 About 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 1 tsp paprika powder
03 1 tsp dried oregano leaves
04 A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
05 1/4 tsp fine salt
06 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

→ Lemon Rice

07 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
08 3 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
09 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
10 A handful (around 5 oz) of chopped spinach leaves
11 15 oz can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
12 2 cups jasmine rice, cooked and ready
13 5 garlic cloves, minced finely
14 1 tsp dried oregano
15 1/4 tsp salt for seasoning

→ Feta Mixture

16 6 oz feta cheese, diced
17 1 tbsp good-quality olive oil
18 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
19 1/4 tsp oregano, dried
20 2 tbsp fresh oregano, minced (optional)
21 A sprinkle of fresh oregano to garnish

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle salt, oregano, paprika, and crushed red pepper onto the chicken, making sure it's all evenly coated.

Step 02

Heat up your pan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil, and cook each side of the chicken for around 5 minutes. Make sure the thickest part reaches 165°F. When done, move the chicken to the side to rest.

Step 03

In the same pan, add garlic, salt, oregano, and half the chopped tomatoes. Stir them for a couple of minutes, then toss in the spinach and let it cook down until it's soft.

Step 04

Combine the fluffy rice with chickpeas, the rest of the tomatoes, and the lemon juice. Stir everything in the pan to heat it up and mix well.

Step 05

In a small bowl, toss the feta with olive oil, oregano, and fresh lemon juice until everything is nicely coated.

Step 06

Mix a bit of the feta into the rice and put the chicken back in the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining feta and some fresh oregano over everything for a finishing touch. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

  1. Leave out the feta cheese for a dairy-free version.
  2. Cook the chicken on medium to avoid burning the oil.
  3. Don’t discard the chicken drippings! Use them to flavor the rice mixture.

Tools You'll Need

  • A sturdy skillet, like cast iron or stainless steel
  • A thermometer to check the chicken is done
  • A mixing bowl to work with the feta and other ingredients

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Feta cheese in this dish means it contains dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 755
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 53 g