It’s a beautiful day, and you can already smell the Mediterranean breezes wafting through your kitchen as you prepare to whip up a dish that promises both zest and comfort: 30 Minutes Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. Greek chicken meatballs with lemon orzo Imagine tender chicken marinated in fragrant herbs, grilled to perfection, served alongside fluffy rice infused with bright citrus notes. Your taste buds are already dancing at the thought!
Speaking of dancing, this dish is perfect for those evenings when you want to impress guests without spending all day cooking. Trust me; it’s so easy you might find yourself twirling around the kitchen like Zorba himself. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds and possibly a dance-off afterward. For more inspiration, check out this shrimp and avocado bowls recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; my dad had just returned from his annual fishing trip, and he was starving! As soon as I plated up the chicken with lemony rice, his eyes lit up like a kid in a candy store. For more inspiration, check out this buffalo chicken stuffed peppers recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for that rich Mediterranean taste.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds that bright zing; bottled juice doesn’t compare.
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Dried Oregano: Look for high-quality oregano to really elevate those flavor profiles.
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Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness while keeping flavors robust.
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Basmati Rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and absorbs flavors beautifully—perfect for this dish!
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the other delightful flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat them well. Let it marinate while preparing the rice.
Cook the Rice: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring chicken broth to a simmer. Add basmati rice and stir gently. Cover and reduce heat to low; let it cook until the liquid is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade (reserve marinade) and place on pan. Sear each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
Add Flavorful Sauce: Pour reserved marinade over seared chicken in the pan. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). buffalo chicken bowls.
Combine & Serve!: Fluff cooked rice with a fork and plate alongside your perfectly cooked Greek chicken. Squeeze extra lemon juice on top if desired—because why not?
Remember to serve your dish with some fresh veggies or a side salad for that perfect colorful plating!
Enjoy your culinary adventure! You’ve just made 30 Minutes Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice—a meal so good your taste buds will be throwing a party! Cajun sausage and rice skillet.
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then prepare the lemon rice while it cooks. This efficient method ensures that everything finishes at the same time, leaving you with juicy chicken and fluffy rice.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition. cheese dip for parties A sprinkle of feta cheese on top adds a delightful tang that pairs beautifully with the lemon rice.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh lemons for maximum zestiness; dried herbs can’t match their bright flavor
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even results
- Don’t rush the searing process; letting it sit helps create that beautiful golden crust
There was this one time I made this recipe for my friends’ dinner party, and they couldn’t get enough! They practically licked their plates clean and begged me to share my “secret” sauce, which was just my trusty Greek marinade.
FAQ
What is the best way to marinate chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor infusion.
Can I use other grains instead of rice?
Yes, quinoa or couscous can be excellent substitutes for lemon rice.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.
30 Minutes Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
30 Minutes Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines tender marinated chicken with zesty lemon-infused rice. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a delightful family dinner, this quick yet satisfying recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors, making it a go-to meal for any occasion. Get ready for juicy chicken and fluffy rice in just half an hour!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup basmati rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, bring chicken broth to a simmer. Add rice, stir gently, cover, and cook on low until the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour reserved marinade over chicken; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Fluff rice with a fork and serve alongside the chicken. Add extra lemon juice if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 300g)
- Calories: 465
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
