Discover Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice

The aroma of tangy lemons mingling with warm spices wafts through the air, teasing your taste buds and inviting you to enjoy a culinary adventure. Picture tender chicken marinated in zesty goodness, paired with fluffy rice that’s soaked up all those incredible flavors—it’s a mouthwatering experience you won’t want to miss.

This dish isn’t just about food; it’s about cherished moments shared around the table. I remember the first time I made this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice for my friends. Their eyes widened in delight as they took their first bites—it was pure magic

I once served this dish at a family gathering, and everyone asked for seconds—it was gone in minutes

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy cuts are essential for maximum flavor absorption during marination.
• Fresh Lemons: Use fresh lemons for zest and juice; nothing beats that bright citrus flavor
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides aromatic depth; minced finely for even distribution in the marinade.
• Olive Oil: A must-have ingredient for richness; opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil if possible.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds an authentic Mediterranean touch; it’s essential to achieve that classic Greek flavor profile.
• Rice: Choose long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for fluffy texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Vegetable Broth or Water: Use broth for added flavor when cooking the rice; it enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended—your kitchen will smell heavenly.

Marinate the Chicken: Add boneless chicken breasts to the marinade. Coat them well and let them soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can wait.

Cook the Rice: In a saucepan over medium heat, add rice along with vegetable broth or water. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low—cover and simmer until all liquid is absorbed (about 15-20 minutes).

Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and sear until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Flavorful Sauce: Pour reserved marinade over seared chicken in skillet. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

Serve It Up: Fluff cooked rice with a fork and serve alongside your beautifully glazed lemon chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired—enjoy each flavorful bite

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour, then sauté it in a hot pan until golden brown. As it cooks, prepare your flavorful rice in a separate pot to ensure everything finishes at the same time.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu if you’re craving something different. Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition, making it truly yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out.

Cooking this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice always brings back memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and delicious aromas wafting through the air.

FAQ

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least one hour, preferably overnight for best results.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but remember that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with a simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

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Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice

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Pin Recipe

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken marinated in zesty lemon and spices, served with aromatic, fluffy rice that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh lemons
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Dried oregano
• Long-grain rice (like basmati or jasmine)
• Vegetable broth or water
• Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Whisk together lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (preferably longer).
3. Cook rice in vegetable broth or water until tender (15-20 minutes).
4. Sear marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown on both sides.
5. Pour reserved marinade over the chicken; simmer until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Serve the chicken alongside fluffy rice; garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.