Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe

The scent of citrus mingling with tender chicken wafts through the kitchen as you prepare to whip up this delightful dish. This easy Greek lemon chicken with flavorful rice is not only a feast for the senses but also a surefire way to impress your family and friends.

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Picture the moment when you serve this dish; the vibrant colors of golden brown chicken against fluffy white rice create a visual masterpiece on your dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a gathering with loved ones, this dish promises mouthwatering flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this recipe; my kids couldn’t get enough of it and declared me the “Chicken Queen” for an entire week!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are perfect for a family dinner; adjust according to your crew’s appetite.
• Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for that unbeatable aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and depth to your marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; bottled juice simply won’t cut it in flavor.
• Dried Oregano: This herb adds an authentic Mediterranean flair—don’t skimp on it!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those wonderful flavors in your dish.
• Long-Grain Rice: Choose long-grain rice for that fluffy texture that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
• Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of water infuses extra flavor into your rice.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare yourself for an adventure through flavors as we dive into making this delightful dish together!

Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat your chicken breasts thoroughly with this zesty marinade and let them soak in all that goodness for at least 30 minutes.

Sear and Brown: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them until they develop a beautiful golden crust—about 5-7 minutes per side.

Cook the Rice: In another pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Stir in long-grain rice and season lightly with salt. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer until tender—about 18-20 minutes.

Combine Flavors: Add the seared chicken directly onto the cooked rice in the pot. Spoon some extra marinade over everything to enhance those flavors even further.

Lettuce Serve: Once everything is done cooking (and your kitchen smells like heaven), serve hot! Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Your guests will be drooling just from looking at their plates.

Enjoy every bite of this easy Greek lemon chicken with flavorful rice—it’s sure to be a new favorite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To create the best Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice, start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour. Sear it on high heat, then reduce to simmer while cooking the rice separately to ensure everything is juicy and flavorful.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs like oregano for thyme or add some olives for a briny twist. You can also toss in vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini during cooking to enhance flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, maintaining that delicious juiciness.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of that one summer BBQ where my friend tried to impress everyone with his “famous” grilled chicken but ended up serving us shoe leather instead. We laughed so hard that we almost forgot we were hungry!

FAQ

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs are juicier and full of flavor.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least one hour, preferably overnight for richer taste.

What side dishes pair well with this recipe?

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

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Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice

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Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice is a zesty, tender dish that combines marinated chicken and fluffy rice for a delightful family dinner.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
3. Cook the Rice: In a separate pot, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice and season with salt. Cover and simmer on low heat for 18-20 minutes until tender.
4. Combine Flavors: Place the seared chicken on top of the cooked rice and drizzle with extra marinade. Serve hot.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For richer flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Substitute dried oregano with thyme or add olives for a Mediterranean twist. Include vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.