Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a vibrant, one-skillet meal full of zesty lemon, herby chicken, fresh spinach, roasted tomatoes, chickpeas, and a creamy feta topping. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or impressive weekend dinners.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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
For the Greek Lemon Rice:
1 tablespoon olive oil
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
For the Feta Cheese Mixture:
6 oz feta cheese, cubed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
2 tablespoons fresh oregano (optional)
Fresh oregano for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
Season chicken thighs with oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Heat a high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tbsp olive oil.
Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes. Flip and cook another 5–7 minutes or until cooked through and juices run clear (internal temp: 165°F). Remove from skillet.
Prepare the Greek Lemon Rice:
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil, half of the grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp salt. Cook over medium heat for 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
Stir in chopped spinach until wilted.
Add cooked rice, chickpeas, remaining tomatoes, and 3 tbsp lemon juice. Stir well and reheat. Add extra olive oil if desired.
Make the Feta Mixture:
In a bowl, mix cubed feta, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and fresh oregano if using. Toss to coat.
Assemble:
Return the chicken to the skillet. Top with feta mixture and fresh oregano. Serve warm.
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts if preferred—just adjust the cooking time.
Add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to bulk it up.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg