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- 4 boneless and skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup long-grain rice (e.g., basmati) - 2 cups chicken broth - 1 large lemon (zested and juiced) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional) - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) When cooking Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender while soaking up flavors. The rice absorbs the broth and lemon juice, creating a tasty base. The olive oil adds richness, and garlic gives it a nice kick. The lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, making it fresh and vibrant. Don't skip the herbs! Oregano and thyme bring the essence of Greece to your plate. You can add optional garnishes for a lovely touch. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Kalamata olives and feta cheese add saltiness and depth. These choices let you customize your dish to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the step-by-step guide. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to make in one pan. To start, gather your ingredients. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade. Next, coat the chicken thighs evenly in this mixture. Make sure each piece is well-covered. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours for better flavor. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color and ensure they are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice. Toast it for about 1 minute, stirring gently. This step adds depth to the rice flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes. You want all the liquid absorbed and the rice tender. Once the rice is ready, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken and rice. If you like, fold in sliced olives and crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. Let the dish sit off the heat for 5 more minutes. This resting time helps meld the flavors together. For the full recipe, refer to the ingredients and instructions provided above. To make your chicken full of flavor, marinate it right. Start with a mix of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This blend adds depth to the chicken. Aim to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, go for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the better the taste! Fluffy rice is key to this dish. First, toast the long-grain rice in the skillet for about a minute. This step enhances its flavor. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Using homemade broth makes the rice richer and tastier. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it simmer for around 15 minutes. The result? Perfectly cooked rice every time. When serving Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, presentation matters. Use a large platter for family-style dining. This makes it look inviting. You can also serve on individual plates. For a pop of color, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Pair it with a Greek salad or tzatziki for a refreshing side. These additions make your meal even more delicious. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main protein in this dish. Instead of chicken thighs, try chicken breasts for a leaner option. Shrimp works well, too. Simply adjust the cooking time since shrimp cooks faster. For a plant-based twist, use tofu. Just press it first to remove excess water and then marinate it like the chicken. Each protein brings a unique taste. While I love long-grain rice, you can use jasmine rice for a floral note. Wild rice gives a nutty flavor and a nice texture. Quinoa is another excellent choice; it adds a protein boost. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts based on the rice type. Each option transforms the dish in fun ways. Want to spice things up? Add paprika or cumin to the marinade. They give a warm, earthy flavor. You can also toss in fresh vegetables to boost nutrition. Spinach wilts beautifully into the rice, while bell peppers add a sweet crunch. These tweaks keep the dish fresh and exciting. Experiment with what you love to make it your own. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to get started! To store leftover Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the best quality, eat it within two days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the portions into smaller containers. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion. You can freeze Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice for about three months. When you're ready to eat, move it to the fridge to thaw overnight. When reheating, the stove is best. It helps keep the dish moist and tasty. Just add a splash of broth or water in a skillet. Heat it over medium-low until warm. If you use a microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it to keep moisture in. Heat for about two minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy your meal just as delicious as the first time! You can use water or vegetable broth instead. This helps keep it vegetarian and lower in sodium. If you want more flavor, add lemon juice and zest to the water. You can also toss in herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the taste. Yes, you can make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a pan or microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Serve it on a large platter for family-style dining. This looks great and makes sharing easy. You can also plate it individually. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. This adds color and freshness to your meal. Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice comes from Greece, a land rich in flavors and history. This dish reflects the Mediterranean lifestyle, focusing on fresh ingredients. It is common in Greek homes and restaurants. The lemon adds brightness, while the rice makes it hearty. Yes, Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice can be gluten-free. You just need to choose the right rice. Long-grain rice like basmati is naturally gluten-free. Check that your broth is also gluten-free if you use store-bought. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. You can find the full recipe for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice in the step-by-step instructions provided. In this post, we explored how to make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. You learned about key ingredients, marinating techniques, and cooking methods. I shared tips to enhance flavor and achieve fluffy rice. You also discovered variations and storage options to keep meals fresh. These steps help you create a flavorful dish packed with nutrition. Try this recipe for a tasty, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Enjoy your cooking adventure with Greek flavors!

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Savor the delicious flavors of Greek Chicken & Lemon Rice with this easy recipe! Juicy marinated chicken thighs paired with fragrant lemon rice create a delightful meal your family will love. Discover how to bring this Mediterranean dish to life with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati)

2 cups chicken broth

1 large lemon (zested and juiced)

3 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them evenly. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

    Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Sear the chicken thighs in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

      Prepare the Rice: In the same skillet, add the long-grain rice and stir it for about 1 minute to toast it lightly. Then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

        Combine and Finish: Once the rice is cooked, add the chicken thighs back into the skillet. Drizzle with any remaining marinade. If you're adding olives and feta, fold them gently into the mixture. Cover again and let it sit for 5 more minutes off the heat to let flavors meld.

          Serve: Fluff the rice with a fork, arrange the chicken on top, and garnish with fresh parsley.

            - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 min | 1 hour | Serves 4

              - Presentation Tips: Serve on a large platter for family-style dining or on individual plates. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for a vibrant presentation.