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Greek Chicken Lemon Rice

Greek Chicken Lemon Rice (30-Minute One-Pot)

30-minute one-pot Mediterranean dinner with seasoned chicken thighs, spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta cheese. Healthy, gluten-free, protein-rich, and fiber-rich.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 755

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano for chicken
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for chicken
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for rice mixture
  • 8 oz grape tomatoes sliced in half
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano for rice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt for rice
  • 5 oz fresh spinach chopped
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice for rice
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 15 oz canned chickpeas drained
  • 6 oz feta cheese diced into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for feta mixture
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for feta mixture
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano for feta mixture
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano optional, for feta mixture
  • fresh oregano for garnish

Equipment

  • High-sided skillet or large sauté pan
  • Digital meat thermometer
  • Medium mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Season chicken thighs with 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, rubbing the spices evenly over both sides.
  2. Heat empty high-sided skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, then arrange chicken thighs in a single layer.
  3. Cook chicken on medium heat for 5 minutes on one side without moving. Reduce heat to low-medium and cook about 5 more minutes on the other side until cooked through.
  4. Check that the digital thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part of the chicken. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  5. To the same skillet (without cleaning), add half the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook on medium heat about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
  6. Stir in fresh spinach in handfuls, allowing it to wilt before adding more. Once wilted, add cooked rice and drained chickpeas, stirring to combine.
  7. Add 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice and remaining uncooked halved grape tomatoes. Reheat on medium heat, stirring to combine. Add 1 extra tablespoon olive oil if mixture seems dry.
  8. In a medium bowl, combine cubed feta cheese with 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (if using). Mix to coat cheese evenly.
  9. Mix half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the rice mixture, then reheat briefly on medium heat.
  10. Top with remaining feta mixture and sprinkle fresh oregano on top. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate in airtight container up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Dairy-free option: Use vegan feta cheese instead of traditional feta.
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