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Chicken Lemon Rice Dish

Featured in Dinner Winners Every Time.

This flavorful Greek chicken with rice dish is ready in half an hour. Juicy chicken thighs seasoned with oregano and paprika sit on lemony chickpea-studded rice, paired with spinach and ripe tomatoes. Creamy feta finishes it with a zesty kick. High-protein, fiber-rich, and gluten-free, it’s a wholesome choice. Skip feta for a dairy-free version that works for any diet.
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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 22:25:40 GMT
A bowl filled with lemon rice, seasoned chicken, and fresh veggies. Pin it
A bowl filled with lemon rice, seasoned chicken, and fresh veggies. | cookwithtaste.com

This country-style Greek chicken and lemon rice combo brings juicy meat together with fragrant grains in a taste explosion that screams Mediterranean. Sprinkle in some fresh herbs, tangy feta chunks, and garden veggies for a filling dinner that takes you straight to a seaside taverna.

Just like grandma's best recipes, this meal fills your home with smells that'll have everyone rushing to grab a seat. When the pot's scraped clean, you'll know you've got a winner.

Key Components

  • Chicken thighs: Go for similar-sized, trimmed pieces with nice fat streaks for super moist results
  • Jasmine rice: Pick consistent, fragrant grains that'll cook up airy and loose
  • Fresh lemons: Grab weighty, sunny fruits with slim, sweet-smelling peels
  • Grape tomatoes: Hunt for sturdy, mature ones with bold colors
  • Baby spinach: Opt for bright, snappy leaves with great look and feel
  • Chickpeas: Wash thoroughly for ideal bite and taste
  • Greek feta: Real sheep milk cheese soaked in brine brings genuine flavor

You can't skip fresh citrus here - those zingy lemon bits make everything pop while balancing out the richness in the meal.

Cooking Steps

Rice Handling:
Wash rice repeatedly until water looks clear. Good washing stops it from turning mushy.
Chicken Prep:
Dry thighs with paper towels and coat well with salt, pepper and oregano. Let sit 15 minutes.
Flavor Base:
Chop onion, crush garlic, grate lemon skin and squeeze juice.
Starting Off:
Warm oil in big skillet until it ripples before tossing stuff in.
Taste Building:
Cook onions till they turn golden, toss in garlic quickly, then stir rice around.
Adding Wetness:
Mix stock and lemon juice, let it start bubbling.
Putting Together:
Mix in chicken, tomatoes, chickpeas at different times. Top with spinach and feta.
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. | cookwithtaste.com

I've made this dish countless times and trust me, taking your time really pays off. That rest period lets everything reach its taste peak.

Perfect Pairings

Throw in a classic Greek salad and some warm herb-filled pita bread. A spoonful of homemade tzatziki adds a cool, creamy touch.

Recipe Changes

Try big portobello mushrooms instead for a meat-free option or toss in seafood for a beachy twist. Switching to brown rice makes it heartier with extra health points.

Keeping Leftovers

Keep in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor gets better overnight. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep everything moist.

Serving Ideas

Dump into a big bowl, sprinkle with herbs and lemon bits. The mix of colors looks amazing on its own. Bring extra feta and herbs to the table.

Health Aspects

You're getting the full Mediterranean diet package here with lean protein, whole grains, veggies and good fats all in one bowl.

A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, tomatoes, and chicken. | cookwithtaste.com

My cooking journey has taught me that small details make all the difference. This family favorite blends cooking know-how with old-world traditions for a dinner you won't forget.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Definitely! Just cook them for less time so they don’t dry out.
→ How do I make it without dairy?
Skip the feta cheese. The lemon and herbs add enough brightness.
→ Can I use another type of rice?
Of course! Jasmine rice is great here, but any cooked rice works fine.
→ Can I prep it in advance?
Yes! Keep it in the fridge for up to three days and heat it up when needed.
→ What can I swap for chickpeas?
White beans or cannellini beans are awesome substitutes, or skip them!

Chicken Lemon Rice Dish

An easy one-pan Mediterranean meal featuring chicken, tangy lemon rice, fresh veggies, and salty feta cheese, all done in 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Milly

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1 teaspoon paprika powder
02 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
03 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes
04 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
06 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Lemon Rice

07 A big handful (around 5 ounces) of finely chopped fresh spinach
08 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice squeezed at home
09 2 cups of jasmine rice, already cooked
10 15-ounce can of chickpeas, water drained
11 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 1-quarter teaspoon of salt to taste
13 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
14 5 garlic cloves, minced finely
15 8 ounces grape tomatoes, sliced in halves

→ Feta Mixture

16 6 ounces of feta, cut into chunks
17 A tiny bunch of fresh oregano for decoration
18 Optional: 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh oregano
19 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
20 1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
21 1-quarter teaspoon of dried oregano

Instructions

Step 01

Take your chicken and sprinkle it with the oregano, chili flakes, a pinch of salt, and paprika.

Step 02

Heat your pan on medium, let it warm, then add a little olive oil. Cook each piece of chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temp hitting 165°F). Move the chicken off to rest.

Step 03

In the same pan, toss some olive oil in, cook half the halved tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and a sprinkle of salt for a couple minutes. Stir in spinach thereafter and let it wilt all the way down.

Step 04

Combine the rice, chickpeas, lemon juice, the rest of your tomatoes, and mix them on low heat until warm and evenly combined.

Step 05

In a small bowl, toss your feta cubes with lemon juice, olive oil, and dried oregano until nicely coated.

Step 06

Mix a little feta into your rice blend, then lay your sliced chicken neatly on top in the skillet. Add the rest of the feta on top and sprinkle with fresh oregano if you’d like. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

  1. If avoiding dairy, leave the feta out completely.
  2. Keep the oil from overheating by sticking to medium heat while cooking chicken.
  3. Don’t toss out the chicken juices—they pack lots of flavor for the rice!

Tools You'll Need

  • A large, heavy-bottomed skillet (like a cast-iron or stainless steel one).
  • A thermometer to confirm the chicken’s fully cooked.
  • One decent-sized bowl for combining ingredients.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • This includes dairy due to the feta cheese.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 755
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 53 g