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If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, tangy flavors and comforting textures, this Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, golden chicken thighs infused with oregano and paprika resting atop fragrant lemony rice that’s perfectly cooked through baking. It’s the kind of meal that feels fresh yet hearty, simple yet full of character, making it an absolute joy to prepare and savor with family or friends. This recipe captures the sunny spirit of Greece on your plate, inviting you to enjoy a cozy, flavorful dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role—the oregano and paprika bring classic Mediterranean warmth, lemon juice and zest add that lively brightness, and chicken broth ensures the rice absorbs deep, savory goodness while baking to fluffy perfection.
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that crisps beautifully when seared.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A classic herb that brings authentic Greek aroma and flavor.
- 1 tsp paprika: Adds a warm, smoky depth and rich color to the chicken coating.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes: A subtle kick of heat to balance the citrusy notes.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For searing chicken and sautéing onions, adding richness and that signature Mediterranean taste.
- 1 small onion, finely diced: Provides sweetness and texture to the rice base.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: The perfect carrier for the lemony broth, absorbing flavors without getting mushy.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Intensifies the savory depth of the rice while keeping it moist.
- ¾ cup water: Balances the liquid amount so the rice cooks evenly.
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings fresh acidity that brightens the entire dish.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Sprinkled into the rice for consistency in herbaceous taste.
- ¾ tsp salt: Proper seasoning to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped: For garnish, adding freshness and a lovely color contrast.
- Fresh lemon zest: Adds an extra punch of lemon aroma just before serving.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken thighs a simple but flavorful rub. In a large bowl, toss them with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. This quick marinade not only seasons the meat but also starts building those quintessential Greek flavors that will carry through the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet and get the chicken thighs sizzling skin-side down. Sear for about five minutes until the skin is golden and crispy, then flip and brown the other side for another five minutes. This step locks in juices and creates a beautiful texture contrast between crispy skin and tender meat. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next phase.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Using the same skillet, toss in the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent. This layer of sweetness enhances the overall flavor, preparing the base for the rice. Stir in the rice and coat it well with the aromatics and residual oil to infuse each grain with flavor.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasoning
Next, pour in the chicken broth, water, and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle in additional dried oregano and salt. These liquids will steam the rice to tender perfection while imparting a bright citrus tang and savory depth that define this dish.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Lay the seared chicken thighs back on top of the rice, skin side up, nestling them gently so they cook evenly. Cover the skillet with a lid or tightly with foil. Transfer everything to a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the chicken skin to crispen beautifully.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or oregano on top adds a burst of greenery and freshness. Don’t forget the final touch of fresh lemon zest for an added zing that elevates every bite. These garnishes make the dish look as appealing as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This dish is vibrant and filling enough on its own, but if you’d like to round out your meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese or some roasted vegetables to add more texture and color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the chicken and rice in individual ramekins or mini skillets. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze as they like. This Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe also shines as a family-style platter, inviting everyone to dig in lovingly straight from the pan.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This ensures the dish stays fresh, and the flavors continue to meld beautifully without becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, cool the dish completely first. Pack into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to two months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Covering while reheating helps maintain the tenderness of both chicken and rice. For crispy skin, finish under a broiler for a minute or two—just watch carefully to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs will cook faster, so reduce baking time slightly to avoid overcooking. They still soak up the flavors wonderfully, though bone-in tends to offer more succulent meat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, the Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always double-check packaged ingredients just to be safe.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of baking?
You can simmer it on the stovetop in a covered skillet until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. However, baking helps achieve that perfect crispy skin and even cooking, so it’s definitely worth the oven time.
What type of rice works best here?
Long-grain rice is ideal because it remains fluffy and separate after cooking. Avoid using instant or risotto-style rice, as they may become too mushy or sticky for this dish.
How tangy is the lemon flavor? Can I adjust it?
The lemon brings a pleasant, fresh zing without overpowering the other ingredients. Feel free to add more or less lemon juice and zest according to your taste preference for a milder or bolder citrus note.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that effortlessly brings sunshine to your table. With its bright citrus flavors balanced by hearty, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice, it’s sure to become a staple in your home cooking rotation. Give it a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with Greek flavors all over again.
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Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe features juicy, bone-in chicken thighs seasoned with oregano and paprika, seared to perfection, then baked atop a flavorful lemon-infused long-grain rice. The dish offers a harmonious blend of bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken, making it a comforting and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Rice and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- ¾ cup water
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or oregano, chopped
- Fresh lemon zest
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, coat the chicken thighs evenly with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Let them rest briefly to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Stir in the raw rice and toast it briefly until coated evenly with the oil and aromatic flavors.
- Add Liquids & Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, water, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, and salt. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly, creating a flavorful cooking liquid for the rice.
- Combine: Place the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin-side up, ensuring the chicken juices will infuse the rice during baking. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil to trap steam.
- Bake: Transfer the covered skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake for 35 minutes to cook through the rice and chicken. Remove the cover and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to crisp the chicken skin and evaporate excess moisture.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the cooked dish with chopped fresh parsley or oregano and a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for added brightness before serving.
Notes
- Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
- Covering the skillet while baking ensures the rice cooks evenly through steaming.
- Removing the cover toward the end crisps up the chicken skin for a pleasing texture contrast.
- If you don’t have a skillet suitable for oven use, transfer contents to a baking dish after sautéing.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level based on preference.
- Fresh lemon zest and herbs add a burst of freshness to the finished dish; don’t skip them.
