Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice is a deliciously tangy and aromatic dish. The chicken is marinated in a fresh lemon-garlic marinade, then cooked to perfection, while the rice is infused with savory broth and herbs. It’s a wholesome and flavorful meal that comes together easily for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for more fragrance)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours, to marinate.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prepare the Rice: While the chicken cooks, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice to the saucepan and stir for 1 minute to toast the rice lightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter version or need a vegetarian option.
- Basmati rice adds extra fragrance and flavor, but any long-grain rice will work well in this recipe.
- This dish can also be made with bone-in chicken for added flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Mediterranean, Healthy Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean