Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot)

Craving a delicious and healthy meal that’s ready in a flash? Look no further than this incredible Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe! This vibrant dish bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavors, combining juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and the bright zest of lemon. Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup – this one-pot wonder simplifies dinnertime without sacrificing taste. Imagine the aromatic scent of oregano and garlic filling your kitchen as you effortlessly whip up this satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is your new go-to for a quick, flavorful, and impressive dinner. Get ready to experience the simplicity and deliciousness of a truly authentic Greek-inspired meal, all prepared in under 30 minutes!

30-Minute One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

A quick and easy one-pot recipe for flavorful Greek chicken and lemon rice, perfect for a weeknight dinner. This recipe is packed with fresh herbs and bright lemon flavor.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 cup Long-grain rice Uncooked
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes Undrained
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Oil-packed, drained and chopped (or 1/4 cup regular sun-dried tomatoes, chopped)
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• Optional Feta cheese Crumbled, for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
• Add onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Return chicken to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and serve immediately. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the rice mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keyword chicken, dinner, easy, greek, lemon, one-pot, quick, rice, weeknight

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s not just quick and easy; it’s bursting with incredible flavor. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and the bright, tangy lemon juice is utterly irresistible. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Speed and Simplicity: One pot, 30 minutes – it’s that easy! Minimal prep and cleanup make it perfect for busy schedules.
• Flavor Explosion: The vibrant blend of Greek herbs, lemon, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and wholesome grains from the rice, this dish is a balanced and healthy option.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to your preferences. Add different vegetables, spices, or cheeses to customize the dish to your liking.
• Impressive Presentation: Despite its ease, this dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant.
• Leftovers are Amazing: The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the leftovers even more delicious!

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a taste of the sun-drenched Mediterranean, brought right to your kitchen table. The ease of preparation allows you to spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones, rather than slaving away in the kitchen.

Why You Should Try This One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy meal can feel like a monumental task. That’s where this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe steps in. It’s the perfect solution for those who want flavorful food without the fuss. Here are compelling reasons to give it a try:

• Stress-Free Cooking: Say goodbye to complicated recipes and endless dishes. This one-pot wonder simplifies your cooking routine.
• Cost-Effective: Uses readily available, affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly meal option.
• Perfect for Beginners: The straightforward instructions and minimal techniques make it ideal for novice cooks.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
• Great for Meal Prepping: Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
• Impress Your Guests: This dish is surprisingly elegant and flavorful, making it perfect for casual gatherings.

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about elevating your weeknight dinners. It’s about creating a flavorful and satisfying experience without sacrificing your precious time or energy. Give it a try – you won’t regret it!

Ingredients and Utensils for Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is key to creating a successful dish. This section lists everything you need for your Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) adventure.

Ingredients: A Detailed List

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor and health benefits. This adds richness to the dish.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works perfectly. Finely chopping the onion ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is always best. Mince it finely to release its aromatic compounds.
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: Long-grain rice holds its shape well and is ideal for this recipe. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: The juice from the tomatoes adds moisture and flavor to the dish.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content. You can substitute with vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped (or 1/4 cup regular sun-dried tomatoes, chopped): Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated burst of umami and sweetness. Oil-packed adds more flavor and richness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the bright, tangy flavor.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Dried oregano provides an authentic Greek flavor. Don’t substitute with other herbs.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Adjust the salt to your taste. Start with less and add more as needed.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese for garnish: Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty, tangy, and creamy element to the finished dish.

Utensils: Essential Tools for Success

• Large pot or Dutch oven: A pot large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably is essential for one-pot cooking.
• Cutting board: For chopping the onion, garlic, and parsley.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for efficient and safe chopping.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients during cooking.
• Colander: For rinsing the rice.
• Serving bowl: For presenting your delicious Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot).

Having these utensils readily available will streamline the cooking process and ensure you create the perfect Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot).

Detailed Recipe Steps for One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe is remarkably simple. Follow these steps for a delightful result.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic, rinse the rice, drain and chop the sun-dried tomatoes, and chop the fresh parsley. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This prep work ensures a smooth cooking process.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in the large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic!
3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish. **Ensure the chicken is cooked through before proceeding.**
4. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. This is the heart of the recipe; making sure everything is well combined is crucial.
5. Simmer the Rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed. **Do not lift the lid during simmering** to ensure even cooking.
6. Stir in Lemon and Parsley: After 18-20 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and gently stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. Let it sit, covered, for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step adds the finishing touch of freshness and brightness.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) hot. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, if desired. This simple garnish elevates the dish visually and adds a delightful salty, creamy flavor.

Remember, the key to this recipe is patience during the simmering process. Allowing the rice to cook undisturbed ensures perfect texture and flavor.

Tips and Variations for Your Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some tips and variations to make it your own:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Add Veggies: Incorporate chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. Add them along with the onions and garlic.
Substitute Rice:

Experiment with other grains like quinoa or couscous for a different texture and nutritional profile.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe offers a balanced and nutritious meal. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but here’s a general overview of the benefits:

• Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Complex Carbohydrates: Rice provides complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day.
• Antioxidants: Tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which protect against cell damage.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic, onions, and parsley provide various vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, beneficial for heart health.

This recipe is relatively low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a satisfying and healthy choice. Remember, the nutritional information can be adjusted based on the variations you choose to incorporate.

For a detailed nutritional breakdown, you can use an online nutritional calculator and input the specific ingredients and quantities you used.

FAQs

Conclusion: Your New Favorite One-Pot Meal

This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice (30 Minutes, One-Pot) recipe is a true culinary gem. Its simplicity, speed, and incredible flavor make it a weeknight staple that will quickly become a family favorite. The vibrant Mediterranean flavors and the convenience of one-pot cooking are hard to beat. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below and tag us on social media! And be sure to check out our other delicious recipes on our blog, like our Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells or our Tortellini with Cream and Spinach with Shrimp for more inspiration. For a sweet treat, try our Cranberry Brie Pull Apart Bread! Happy cooking!

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