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Lemon Rice with Chicken

Featured in Chicken dishes that always work.

This savory one-pan lemon rice with chicken is big on flavor and easy to make in 30 minutes. Tender, paprika-coated chicken thighs pair with tangy rice, spinach, chickpeas, and tomatoes. Topped with feta for a creamy finish, it's high in protein, fiber-rich, and gluten-free. Skip the cheese, and you’ve got a delicious dairy-free option too!
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Maria from tastyhush
Updated on Sun, 13 Apr 2025 14:10:05 GMT
A dark bowl filled with lemon rice, tender chicken, and fresh spinach. Pin it
A dark bowl filled with lemon rice, tender chicken, and fresh spinach. | tastyhush.com

This homespun Greek chicken and lemon rice combo brings together juicy meat with fragrant grains in a tasty Mediterranean flavor mix. Vibrant herbs, zesty feta, and fresh veggies unite in a filling dish that truly captures old-world taverna cooking at its best.

Just like grandma's best cooking, this meal fills your home with amazing smells that bring everyone running. When the pot ends up empty, you know you've got a winner.

Key Components

  • Chicken thighs: Go for similar sized, nicely trimmed pieces with good fat marbling for super moist results
  • Jasmine rice: Pick consistent, fragrant grains that cook up airy and loose
  • Fresh lemons: Grab weighty, sunny fruits with slim, aromatic peels
  • Grape tomatoes: Opt for sturdy, mature ones with bright coloring
  • Baby spinach: Grab perky, vibrant leaves with nice feel and appearance
  • Chickpeas: Make sure to rinse thoroughly for improved feel and taste
  • Greek feta: Real brined sheep cheese brings genuine flavor notes

You can't skip fresh citrus - those tangy lemon hints make every other ingredient pop while balancing the dish's richness.

Cooking Steps

Rice Handling:
Wash rice completely until clear water appears. Good washing stops mushy outcomes.
Chicken Prep:
Dry thighs and add plenty of salt, pepper and oregano. Let sit 15 minutes.
Flavor Base:
Get chopped onion, crushed garlic, lemon peel and juice ready.
First Cooking Step:
Warm oil in big skillet until it glistens before you start cooking.
Taste Building:
Cook onions till they're golden, briefly add garlic, then lightly brown rice.
Adding Wet Stuff:
Mix stock and lemon juice, heat until bubbling.
Putting It Together:
Mix in chicken, tomatoes, chickpeas gradually. Top with spinach and feta last.
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. Pin it
A delicious meal of rice, chicken, tomatoes, and lemon. | tastyhush.com

After making this countless times, I've learned that taking your time truly makes it better. Letting everything rest helps all the parts reach their best flavor.

Perfect Pairings

Try it with a simple Greek salad and warm herby flatbread. A spoonful of homemade cucumber yogurt sauce adds a nice cool, creamy touch.

Different Versions

Try big mushrooms instead for a meat-free option or go with fish or shrimp for a seaside twist. Using whole grain rice makes a more filling dish with added goodness.

Keeping Leftovers

Keep in tight containers in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even better overnight. Add a splash of water when reheating to keep everything moist.

Serving Ideas

Put everything in a big bowl, sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon slices. The natural food colors look amazing together. Bring extra cheese and herbs to the table.

Health Advantages

This well-rounded dish shows why Mediterranean food is so good for you with its mix of trim protein, whole grains, veggies and good fats.

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

My cooking journey shows that caring about the small stuff while cooking leads to great results every time. This treasured dish blends cooking know-how and tradition into an unforgettable family feast.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Of course! Just keep an eye on them because they cook quicker than thighs, so you’ll want to avoid overcooking.
→ How can I make it dairy-free?
Simple! Just skip the feta cheese. There’s still plenty of flavor from the herbs and citrus.
→ Can I swap the rice for another kind?
Definitely! While jasmine rice is perfect for this dish, you can choose any cooked rice that you have on hand.
→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, no problem! Pop it in the fridge for up to three days and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
→ Is there a substitute for chickpeas?
Sure thing! White beans or cannellini beans work well, but feel free to leave them out if they're not your thing.

Lemon Rice with Chicken

A zesty Mediterranean-style dinner with chicken, lemon rice, veggies, and feta—ready to serve in just 30 minutes!

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

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken

01 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin if you have it
02 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
03 1 teaspoon dried oregano
04 A pinch of crushed red chili flakes (1/4 teaspoon)
05 1 teaspoon ground paprika
06 Just under 1/4 teaspoon of salt

→ Lemon Rice

07 Handful of fresh spinach chopped up (roughly 5 oz)
08 2 full cups of jasmine rice, already cooked
09 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
10 8 ounces of grape tomatoes, sliced in half
11 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 15 oz can of chickpeas, make sure to drain them
13 5 garlic cloves minced up
14 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
15 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Feta Mixture

16 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
17 A little sprinkle of fresh oregano leaves to garnish
18 6 oz of feta cheese, cubed into small chunks
19 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
20 1 tablespoon olive oil, extra virgin
21 Optional: 2 tablespoons of minced fresh oregano

Instructions

Step 01

Sprinkle the chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, chili flakes, and some salt to flavor them.

Step 02

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and wait a moment, then lay the chicken thighs in. Let them cook 5 minutes each side till the inside hits 165°F. Set them aside once they're done.

Step 03

In the same pan, toss in garlic, half the tomatoes, oregano, and salt. Cook down for a couple of minutes, then stir in the spinach and let it soften completely.

Step 04

Stir together the chickpeas, the rest of the tomatoes, lemon juice, and the rice. Cook until it's all heated through and mixed well.

Step 05

In a bowl, coat the feta chunks with olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano.

Step 06

Combine some of the feta mix with the warm rice mixture. Layer the chicken back into the pan and top it all with the leftover feta and a sprinkle of fresh oregano. Season to your taste.

Notes

  1. You can skip the feta to make it dairy-free.
  2. Use medium heat when cooking the chicken so the oil doesn't smoke.
  3. Don't throw out the juices from the chicken! Use them in the rice for flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • A large, sturdy skillet (cast iron works great).
  • Use a food thermometer to check the chicken's doneness.
  • Grab a mid-sized mixing bowl for the feta.

Allergy Information

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

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