One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

Imagine everything glorious about Greek cuisine—zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, juicy chicken, and plump rice—all coming together in one irresistibly simple, comforting meal. That’s the real magic of One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice: a dish that brings sunshine to your table and requires just a single pot for maximum flavor with minimum fuss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s take a quick look at the simple, wholesome ingredients that bring One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice to life. Each one plays a starring role—whether it’s adding brightness, depth, or just that perfect cozy texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On): These deliver juicy, tender bites and rich flavor—plus, the skin gets deliciously golden when seared.
• Lemon Zest + Juice: Provides that iconic tang and brightness that awakens both the rice and the chicken.
• Dried Oregano: The earthy, herbal backbone of the dish—don’t be shy with it!
• Fresh Garlic: Infuses the marinade and rice with irresistible aroma and flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Brings out all the complex flavors; seasoning throughout is so important.
• Olive Oil: For searing and sautéing, adding richness and a subtle fruitiness.
• Yellow Onion: Sautéed until translucent, it softly sweetens the rice as it cooks.
• Long Grain White Rice: Plump, fluffy, and perfect at soaking up all that lemony goodness.
• Chicken Broth: Layered with savory flavor, this gives both heft and depth to the rice.
• Water: Balances the broth so the rice isn’t overwhelming and cooks up tender.
• Parsley or Oregano (for Garnish): A fresh pop of color and herby finish.
• Extra Lemon Zest: Bold, bright, and totally irresistible sprinkled on top.

Variations

One of the loveliest things about One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is just how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or just working with what you have on hand, there are lots of ways to keep it fresh and exciting!

• Swap the Protein: Use boneless skinless thighs, chicken drumsticks, or even chicken breast (just watch the cook time for juiciness).
• Add Extra Veggies: Slip in a handful of baby spinach, sliced bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for color and nutrients.
• Try Different Herbs: Swap oregano for fresh dill or thyme, or sprinkle in a bit of mint for a new twist.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use hearty mushrooms or chickpeas in place of chicken, swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth.
• Experiment with Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice can add their own unique fragrances, while brown rice makes it extra hearty (just extend the cook time as needed).

How to Make One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by combining your chicken thighs with lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Give them at least 20 minutes to soak up those bright Mediterranean flavors—though if you have the time, marinating overnight makes the chicken even more succulent and flavorful. This step is what sets One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice apart!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Once marinated, heat a splash of olive oil in a deep, oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Arrange the chicken skin-side down and sizzle until the skin is deeply golden, then flip and brown the other side. Set the chicken aside—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor this simple sear brings out, both in the chicken and in the rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Build the Rice Base

Pour off any excess fat and wipe away any blackened bits for a fresh start. Add a touch more olive oil and toss in your diced onion, sautéing until it turns soft and fragrant. Now stir in the uncooked rice, more oregano, a pinch of salt and black pepper, chicken broth, water, and the leftover marinade. This is where all those yummy pan flavors start to mingle!

Step 4: Nestle In the Chicken and Bake

Let the rice mixture come to a simmer for about 30 seconds, stirring gently, then nestle the browned chicken thighs right on top. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid (foil or an oven-safe tray works too) and pop it in a preheated oven. Bake covered for 35 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes—giving that skin a final chance to crisp while the rice finishes cooking.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve

Once everything is cooked and the rice has soaked up all those lovely juices, take the skillet out and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. Finish with a flurry of fresh herbs and lemon zest—it’s the signature final touch for One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. Serve it right from the pan for a cozy, family-style vibe!

How to Serve One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Garnishes

This dish positively sings with a finishing touch of fresh parsley or oregano and a generous sprinkle of lemon zest. If you’re feeling extra fancy, sear a few lemon slices in the pan after cooking the chicken and lay them on top for a sunshiny, restaurant-worthy finish!

Side Dishes

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a meal-in-one, but it pairs beautifully with crisp Greek salad, warm pita, tzatziki, roasted vegetables, or a medley of simple olives and feta for a true Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet for casual family style, or plate the rice and nestle a glistening chicken thigh on top, finished with herbs and zest for a lovely dinner party look. For a fun twist, try portioning into shallow bowls and topping with a spoonful of Greek yogurt and a wedge of lemon for each guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice are a joy for quick lunches or easy weeknight repeats. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days—the flavors continue to develop, making the next day’s meal even tastier.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool completely, then transfer portions to airtight, freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so both the chicken and rice warm up evenly.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm in a covered skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to help keep the rice extra moist. Or, pop it in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the top. Finish with a little fresh lemon or herbs for brightness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a celebration but is foolproof enough for a cozy night in, One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is calling your name. It’s bright, hearty, and so satisfying—go ahead, grab your skillet and bring a little Greek sunshine to your dinner table tonight!

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