Description
Hearty Greek chicken and lemon rice honors Mediterranean culinary traditions with zesty, aromatic flavors. Succulent chicken nestles on fragrant rice, inviting you to savor classic Greek comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lb (680 grams) skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 15 oz (425 grams) canned chickpeas
- 6 oz (170 grams) feta cheese, diced into small cubes
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 oz (227 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 oz (142 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
- Generously coat chicken thighs with a robust blend of dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes, ensuring even coverage.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes, drizzle with olive oil, and carefully place seasoned chicken. Cook approximately 5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F, achieving a golden-brown exterior. Transfer chicken from skillet.
- Utilize the same skillet to sauté half the tomatoes, minced garlic, additional oregano, and a pinch of salt for 2 minutes. Introduce fresh spinach and cook until leaves collapse and become tender.
- Incorporate cooked rice, drained chickpeas, tangy lemon juice, and remaining tomatoes into the vegetable mixture. Gently heat while stirring to meld flavors and create a cohesive base.
- Prepare feta by combining cubed cheese with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and crumbled oregano, ensuring each cheese piece is luxuriously coated.
- Fold half the prepared feta mixture directly into the rice, creating pockets of creamy texture. Return sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces among the rice. Garnish with remaining feta crumbles and fresh oregano leaves. Adjust seasoning to personal preference.
Notes
- Boost Chicken Flavor Crush dried herbs between your fingers before seasoning to release more intense aromatics and enhance overall taste profile.
- Achieve Perfect Sear Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure golden-brown crispy exterior without steaming.
- Customize for Dietary Needs Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for vegetarian version; use gluten-free rice for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Elevate Meal Prep Marinate chicken overnight in lemon-herb mixture to intensify flavor and tenderize meat for more succulent results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg