Deliciously Simple Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe

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Craving a meal that bursts with flavors and is simple to prepare? This One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice recipe is just what you need.

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It’s a delightful combination of tender chicken thighs, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon that will make your taste buds dance.

Imagine tender chicken thighs simmered in a savory broth with fluffy rice, accented by the fresh flavors of oregano and lemon. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.

Overview of Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

This One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice showcases the delightful pairing of tender chicken thighs with fluffy rice, enriched by the bright notes of lemon and aromatic herbs.

As the chicken cooks, it releases its flavors, creating a savory broth that infuses the rice, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. The addition of garlic and oregano brings warmth and depth to the entire meal.

Ingredients that Shine

The key components of this dish include juicy chicken thighs, which provide a rich source of flavor, and rice that acts as a canvas to soak up the delicious broth.

Lemon adds a refreshing zing, while garlic and oregano round out the flavor profile beautifully. Fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but also adds a pop of color and freshness.

Preparation Steps

Start by seasoning the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and oregano to build a solid flavor base. Searing the chicken until golden brown is essential, as it creates a delicious crust while locking in moisture.

After removing the chicken, sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same pot, allowing them to soften and release their aromatic essence. This step enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

Cooking the Dish

Next, stir in the rice along with chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. As the mixture comes to a boil, the flavors meld together beautifully.

Returning the chicken thighs to the pot is where the magic happens. Covering and simmering allows the rice to absorb the flavorful broth, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken and rice that complement each other.

Nutritional Highlights

This dish serves four and is approximately 450 calories per serving, providing a well-balanced meal with 30 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat.

With its combination of chicken, rice, and wholesome ingredients, it satisfies hunger while offering essential nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any meal rotation.

Deliciously Simple Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

One-Pot Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice with chicken thighs, lemon, and parsley on a rustic wooden table.

This recipe highlights the perfect harmony of chicken thighs, lemon, and rice. The chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, while the rice absorbs all the deliciousness from the chicken broth, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, black pepper, and oregano.
  2. Sear the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the pot, skin-side up. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the broth.
  6. Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Cook and Prep Times

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Information

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 450kcal
  • Fat: 20g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g

Serving Suggestions

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley for an appealing presentation. Lemon wedges can be served alongside, allowing guests to add a burst of citrus to their plate, enhancing the dish’s brightness.

This meal is perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, offering a comforting taste of Greek cuisine. The simplicity of one-pot cooking means minimal cleanup, making it a practical choice.

This recipe is part of my 21 Amazing One Pot Dinners for Busy Weeknights. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!

Jeff Campbell
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