One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

There’s nothing quite as cozy (or impressive!) as a dish that promises stunning flavor and virtually no cleanup, and that’s exactly why I adore making One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. Picture golden, juicy chicken atop lemon-infused rice—every bite bright, savory, and deeply comforting, with all the magic happening in one skillet.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice has a delicious purpose! You don’t need much to achieve sun-drenched flavors and stunning textures, but trust me, each element—chicken, lemon, rice, and classic Greek herbs—works together to create a cozy, balanced dish.

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These bring unbeatable flavor and juiciness, plus that golden, crispy skin is simply irresistible.
• Lemon zest and juice: The real star—zest for fragrant oils and juice for zippy, tangy brightness in both the marinade and rice.
• Dried oregano: Classic Greek aroma and earthiness that defines the character of the dish.
• Garlic cloves: Adds bold, punchy flavor that deepens as it cooks with the chicken and rice.
• Salt and black pepper: A must for balancing and enhancing all the savory flavors.
• Olive oil: For a silken sear on the chicken and gentle sautéing of the onion.
• Onion: Finely diced, it melts into the rice and infuses every grain with sweetness.
• Long grain rice: Stays perfectly fluffy and soaks up all the glorious chicken and lemon juices without turning mushy.
• Chicken broth/stock and water: Layers of savory goodness provide a flavorful bath for the rice.
• Finely chopped parsley or oregano (for garnish): Optional, but it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
• Fresh lemon zest (for garnish): Highly recommended for an aromatic finishing touch.

Variations

There’s so much joy in making this One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice your own! If you’re craving a twist or need to adjust for dietary needs, you’ll find this recipe is as flexible as it is flavorful.

• Swap the protein: Try boneless chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts—just adjust cooking times for best results.
• Use a different grain: Jasmine, wild, or even brown rice will work—just keep an eye on the cooking time and liquid levels!
• Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, peas, or baby spinach for extra color and nutrition.
• Go dairy-free or low-sodium: Use low-salt stock and skip the cheese (if you’d usually add feta on top).

How to Make One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by mixing chicken thighs, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, and salt in a ziplock bag or bowl. Let everything mingle for at least 20 minutes (a couple of hours is even better!), so the chicken drinks up maximum lemony, herby flavor.

Step 2: Preheat & Sear

Set your oven to 180°C/350°F. In a deep skillet, heat a bit of olive oil and sear the chicken skin-side down until gloriously golden, then flip and repeat. Remove the chicken and set aside—don’t worry, it’ll finish cooking with the rice.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion & Build the Rice Base

Pour off any excess fat and wipe the pan, keeping just enough flavor in the skillet. Heat more olive oil, add the diced onion, and sauté until translucent. Then stir in the rice, chicken broth, water, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and the reserved marinade—mix well to get all that lemon and garlic into the rice!

Step 4: Bake It All Together

Let the rice mixture come to a gentle simmer for about 30 seconds. Nestle the seared chicken on top, cover the skillet (a pot lid, foil, or baking tray works), and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for another 10 minutes to let the rice absorb every last drop of flavor and let the chicken skin crisp up.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Patience pays off—let the dish rest, covered, for 5–10 minutes after baking. This lets the rice finish steaming and all the juices settle. Finish with a flurry of fresh parsley or oregano and a hit of fresh lemon zest for maximum wow!

How to Serve One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Garnishes

This dish comes alive with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or oregano and, most importantly, a generous shower of freshly grated lemon zest. If you want to go all out, quick-sear some lemon slices in the pan after the chicken for a gorgeous, glossy topping.

Side Dishes

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice stands tall on its own, but a simple Greek salad, garlicky sautéed greens, or some cool, creamy tzatziki make it a true Mediterranean feast. Warm pita bread is also perfect for scooping up every drop of lemony rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Guild the lily by serving each thigh atop a fluffy mound of rice, or turn this dish into personal-sized skillet bakes for guests. For gatherings, serve family-style straight from the colorful skillet so everyone can marvel at the golden chicken and fragrant rice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftovers completely before transferring One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice to airtight containers. Stored in the fridge, it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days—making the next day’s lunch a breeze!

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled chicken and rice into freezer-friendly containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for a taste of sunshine any time.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a low oven, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the rice’s moisture. Just don’t forget to add a bit more fresh lemon zest before serving to refresh all those zesty notes!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about gathering around the table with a fragrant, golden skillet of One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice. Whether it’s a quiet weeknight or you’re feeding a crowd, this dish is guaranteed to bring a taste of Greek sunshine to your kitchen—I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home as quickly as it did in mine!

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