Greek Lemon Chicken with Rice
Greek Lemon Chicken with Rice – Easy and Tasty Recipe
This Greek Lemon Chicken with Rice is a fresh, light, and super tasty meal. It’s perfect for a family dinner, special occasion, or even just a regular weekday. The chicken is juicy and full of lemon and herb flavor, while the rice is cooked with spices and fresh herbs for a delicious side.
🍋 What Makes This Dish Special?
- Fresh lemon gives the chicken a zesty, bright taste.
- Herbs and garlic make the chicken and rice full of flavor.
- Easy to cook – just marinate, cook, and serve!
- Great with a salad, veggies, or some warm pita bread.
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Recipe
✅ Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Ingredients for Marinade:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice + zest
- Garlic (chopped)
- Dried oregano and thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Smoked paprika (optional)
How to Marinate:
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
- Put chicken (breasts or thighs) in a zip bag or bowl.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat well.
- Let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to overnight (longer = more flavor!).
✅ Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Grill or Bake the Chicken:
- Grilling: Cook on medium-high for 6–8 minutes each side until done (165°F / 74°C).
- Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F / 200°C. Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before cutting – this keeps it juicy.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley or mint before serving.
✅ Step 3: Make the Rice
Ingredients for Rice:
- Long grain or jasmine rice
- Olive oil
- Onion and garlic
- Dried oregano and cumin (optional)
- Chicken broth or water
- Lemon juice + zest
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
How to Make:
- Heat olive oil in a pan.
- Cook onion for 3–4 minutes.
- Add garlic and spices, cook 1 more minute.
- Add rice, stir for 2–3 minutes to toast it.
- Pour in broth, boil, then simmer covered for 18–20 minutes.
- When done, stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Add a little butter if you like.
- Optional toppings: Feta cheese or olives for more Mediterranean taste.
✅ Step 4: Serve the Dish
- Put rice on each plate. Add the chicken on top or beside it.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with parsley, mint, or more lemon.
- Serve with a Greek salad, grilled vegetables, or pita bread.
- 🔁 Extra Tips and Ideas
- Chicken thighs are juicier than breasts.
- Marinate longer for stronger flavor – even overnight!
- Add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers to the pan for a full meal.
- Want it spicy? Add red chili flakes to the marinade.
- Low-carb? Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Add feta cheese directly into the rice for creamy richness.
🍽 Final Thoughts
Greek Lemon Chicken with Rice is a fresh, healthy, and flavorful meal. It’s easy to make, full of Mediterranean taste, and great for sharing. With the tangy chicken and herby rice, this is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes