One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice.
If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is delicious, look no further than this One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice. This recipe combines juicy chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs all cooked in one skillet with rice, orzo, and vibrant greens. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice has it all:
– **Simplicity:** Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and cleaning up.
– **Flavor:** The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a refreshing and savory dish.
– **Nutrition:** Loaded with greens and wholesome ingredients, it’s a complete meal that’s satisfying and healthy.
– **Versatility:** You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.
Shopping List
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1/2 cup dry orzo
- 1 cup dry rice
- 2 shallots, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3-4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, crushed
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Recommended Tools
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, consider using the following tools:
- Large Skillet: A good quality skillet is essential for even cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your skillet.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of your ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing shallots and chicken easily.
One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice: From Prep to Plate
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken. In a bowl, mix the dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your dish.
Step 4: Add the Grains
Stir in the orzo and rice, allowing them to toast slightly in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Add 3-4 cups of low sodium chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are cooked through.
Step 6: Add the Greens
Once the rice and orzo are tender, stir in the chopped spinach, crushed olives, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Fold in the chicken, and add the lemon slices on top. Cover again and let everything warm together for another 5 minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Freshness
Before serving, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves. The contrasting textures and flavors will make your One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice a dish to remember!
Ingredient Flex Options
Feel free to customize this recipe based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand:
- Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.
- Experiment with other greens like kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
What I Learned Testing
- The marination time is critical; it truly enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Toasting the rice and orzo before adding broth adds a depth of flavor.
- Using low sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the chicken and marinate it the night before for even better flavor. The One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
Questions People Ask
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice! Just be aware that it will take longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the broth quantity and cooking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I freeze the One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
What can I serve with this dish?
This One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls or a fresh salad for added crunch and nutrition.
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Before You Go
This One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, packed with flavor and made easy for any home cook. With its vibrant colors and fresh taste, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your creation on social media, and tag your friends to try this delicious recipe. Happy cooking!
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One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the chicken. In a bowl, mix the dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts or thighs. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the shallots and garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the flavor base for your dish.
- Stir in the orzo and rice, allowing them to toast slightly in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes. This adds a nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice.
- Add 3-4 cups of low sodium chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are cooked through.
- Once the rice and orzo are tender, stir in the chopped spinach, crushed olives, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Fold in the chicken, and add the lemon slices on top. Cover again and let everything warm together for another 5 minutes.
- Before serving, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil leaves. The contrasting textures and flavors will make your One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice a dish to remember!
Notes
- You can prepare the chicken and marinate it the night before for even better flavor.
- This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.
