Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe offers a perfect balance of tender, marinated chicken with a zesty, fragrant lemon rice. Infused with Mediterranean flavors like oregano and garlic, this dish is light, refreshing, and full of deliciousness, making it ideal for a quick dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati rice for extra fragrance)
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (or more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for serving)
Instructions
For the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the chicken.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
For the Lemon Rice:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil (or butter) over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to toast it slightly.
- Add the chicken broth (or water), lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- Stir in the fresh parsley and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if desired.
To Serve:
- Serve the sliced Greek chicken over a bed of lemon rice. Garnish with extra parsley and optional crumbled feta cheese.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight for a deeper infusion of the marinade.
- You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
- If you prefer a more savory rice, add a touch of garlic or sautéed onions to the rice while it cooks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean