Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a flavorful one-pot dish that mixes tender, marinated rooster with aromatic lemon-infused rice. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe includes a zesty marinade with garlic, oregano, and lemon, giving the rooster a juicy and fragrant end. The rice is cooked with rooster drippings, broth, and contemporary lemon, creating a superbly fluffy and flavorful aspect. This dish is right for weeknight dinners or for impressing company with a brilliant and vibrant meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot marvel: Simple preparation and minimal cleanup.
• Full of taste: Zesty lemon, contemporary herbs, and savory rooster.
• Balanced meal: Contains protein, carbs, and contemporary greens.
• Good for meal prep: Reheats nicely and stays flavorful.
• Household-friendly: A crowd-pleaser that everybody will get pleasure from.

Elements

(Tip: You’ll discover the total record of components and measurements within the recipe card under.)

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 ½ kilos boneless, skinless rooster thighs or breasts
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Lemon Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (basmati or jasmine works nicely)
• 2 cups rooster broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optionally available Garnishes

• Recent parsley or dill, chopped
• Lemon wedges
• Feta cheese crumbles

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

1. Combine Marinade: In a bowl, whisk collectively olive oil, lemon juice, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add rooster to the marinade and coat totally. Cowl and refrigerate for no less than Half-hour, or as much as 8 hours for max taste.

Prepare dinner the Chicken

3. Sear the Chicken: Warmth a big skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high warmth with a tablespoon of olive oil. Take away rooster from the marinade, permitting extra to drip off. Sear rooster for 4-5 minutes per aspect till golden brown. Switch to a plate and put aside.

Put together the Lemon Rice

4. Sauté Greens: In the identical pan, add a bit extra oil if wanted. Sauté chopped onion and garlic till softened and aromatic.
5. Toast the Rice: Add rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to evenly toast the grains.
6. Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in rooster broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
7. Prepare dinner the Rice: Nestle the seared rooster again into the pan on prime of the rice. Carry to a boil, then scale back the warmth to low, cowl, and simmer for 20 minutes, or till the rice is tender and the rooster is totally cooked.
8. Relaxation and Fluff: Take away from warmth and let sit for five minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with contemporary herbs and lemon wedges.

Serve

9. Plate and Take pleasure in: Serve scorching, optionally topped with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of contemporary parsley or dill.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: quarter-hour (plus marinating time)
• Prepare dinner Time: Half-hour
• Whole Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added shade and vitamin.
• Make It Spicy: Add pink pepper flakes or a splash of cayenne to the marinade.
• Herby Taste: Combine contemporary mint or basil into the rice earlier than serving.
• One-Pan Baked Model: Bake marinated rooster and rice collectively in a coated casserole dish at 375°F (190°C) for 30-35 minutes.
• Gluten-Free: Guarantee rooster broth is gluten-free and use licensed gluten-free rice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Retailer leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days.
• Reheating: Heat within the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of rooster broth to maintain the rice moist.
• Freezing: Freeze rooster and rice in a freezer-safe container for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge earlier than reheating.

FAQs

Can I exploit rooster breasts as an alternative of thighs?

Sure, rooster breasts work nicely, however watch out to not overcook them as they’ll dry out extra simply than thighs.

How do I make the rice further fluffy?

Rinse the rice below chilly water earlier than cooking to take away extra starch, which helps stop clumping.

Can I marinate the rooster in a single day?

Sure, marinating in a single day enhances the flavour. Simply keep away from marinating for greater than 24 hours to stop the rooster from turning into too tender.

What sort of rice is finest for this recipe?

Lengthy-grain rice like basmati or jasmine works finest for a fluffy and mild texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Sure, substitute the rooster with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth for the rice.

How do I add extra lemon taste?

Add further lemon zest or a drizzle of lemon juice simply earlier than serving for a contemporary burst of citrus.

What sides go nicely with Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice?

Serve with Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, or roasted greens for a whole meal.

Can I make this dish in a rice cooker or Prompt Pot?

Sure, you’ll be able to cook dinner the rice and rooster collectively utilizing the sauté operate first, then set to rice or strain cook dinner mode.

How do I stop the rice from sticking to the pan?

Guarantee there’s sufficient oil within the pan when toasting the rice, and preserve the warmth low throughout simmering.

Is Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice good for meal prep?

Sure, this dish reheats nicely and might be packed into meal prep containers for straightforward lunches or dinners.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant and scrumptious one-pot meal that brings the contemporary, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. With tender, marinated rooster and completely cooked lemony rice, this dish is as satisfying as it’s easy to make. Ideally suited for household dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, this recipe affords a burst of taste and consolation in each chunk. Give it a attempt and get pleasure from a style of Greece at residence!

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