Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant, one-pot meal that combines tender, seasoned chicken thighs with flavorful lemon-infused jasmine rice, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and a creamy feta herb mixture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish balances zesty, savory, and fresh flavors for a wholesome and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Base
- 8 oz grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking vegetables)
Feta Mixture and Garnish
- 6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, thoroughly season the chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes, ensuring all sides are evenly coated for a balanced flavor.
- Cook the Chicken (First Side): Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, then add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. Monitor the heat carefully to prevent the oil from burning, which can affect the chicken’s flavor and juiciness.
- Cook the Chicken (Second Side): Flip the chicken thighs over, reduce the heat to low-medium, and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Sauté Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same skillet, add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful base.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir the chopped fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until just wilted, enhancing the dish with vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Combine Rice and Chickpeas: Add the cooked jasmine rice and drained chickpeas to the skillet. Pour in 3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice and add the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Stir everything together thoroughly and reheat over medium heat, adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil if desired for additional moisture and richness.
- Prepare the Feta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the diced feta cheese with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and chopped fresh oregano if using. Toss gently to evenly coat the cheese with the herbs and olive oil.
- Incorporate Feta into Rice: Mix half of the prepared feta mixture into the lemon rice to blend the flavors harmoniously.
- Add Chicken to the Skillet: Slice the cooked chicken thighs and add them back into the skillet with the lemon rice mixture. Warm over medium heat until all components are heated through and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Top the finished dish with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano sprigs. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot for a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- For best results, use skinless, boneless chicken thighs as they stay tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- If fresh oregano is unavailable, extra dried oregano can be used instead, though fresh herbs enhance the brightness of the dish.
- Using freshly cooked jasmine rice is preferable, but day-old rice can also be used for better texture.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- This dish can be adapted by substituting chickpeas with white beans or adding other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
