How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice for a Flavorful Mediterranean-Inspired Dinner
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- Author: Team Pure Essence Living
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice , a vibrant and wholesome dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors! Juicy chicken is marinated in zesty lemon, garlic, and herbs, then baked alongside fluffy lemon-infused rice and tender vegetables. This one-pan wonder is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether you’re craving a comforting yet healthy meal or looking to add more Mediterranean flavors to your repertoire, this step-by-step guide—complete with an easy-to-follow video tutorial—will show you how to make this delicious dish effortlessly. Watch the video, follow along, and get ready to savor a taste of Greece!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup juice)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for extra flavor)
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) . Lightly grease a large baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
Cook the Rice Base:
- Heat the olive oil in the baking dish or skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon zest and juice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Bake the Dish:
- Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
- Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes . Remove the foil, stir in the frozen peas (if using), and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C ) and the rice is tender.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Pair with a simple Greek salad or crusty bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Greek