Greek Chicken and Lemon

Transport yourself to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this delightful Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe. Bursting with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this dish is a true celebration of Mediterranean cuisine.

Tender, juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with aromatic oregano, paprika, and a hint of red pepper flakes, creating a mouthwatering protein base. The chicken is then paired with fragrant jasmine rice, cooked with fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, and chickpeas, all infused with the zesty brightness of lemon juice.

To elevate this dish to new heights, a creamy feta cheese mixture is added, bringing a rich and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh oregano, this dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is sure to impress. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation, it’s the perfect dish to add to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs 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, 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
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Directions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

  • Season chicken thighs with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and chicken thighs. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and reduce heat to low-medium. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet.

2. Prepare the Greek Lemon Rice:

  • In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half of the tomatoes, garlic, oregano, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften.
  • Add spinach and wilt. Stir in cooked rice, chickpeas, the remaining tomatoes, and lemon juice. Heat through, stirring to combine.

3. Make the Feta Cheese Mixture:

  • In a bowl, combine feta cheese, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice, and ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano.

4. Assembly:

  • Mix half of the feta cheese mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice.
  • Add the cooked chicken, reheat, and top with the remaining feta cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh oregano. Season to taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

  • This Mediterranean delight is perfect for a wholesome family meal or a special dinner with friends. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic lemon rice, and creamy feta cheese creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 560 kcal
Servings: 4 servings

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