Description
Savory Greek chicken and lemon rice brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner table, blending zesty citrus with tender chicken. Juicy meat nestled on aromatic rice promises a delightful journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquid and Oil:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Rice and Broth:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes in a small mixing bowl.
- Submerge chicken breasts in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours to infuse flavors deeply.
- Prepare lemon rice by heating olive oil in a saucepan and lightly toasting rice grains until they develop a golden hue.
- Pour chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper into the rice, bringing the mixture to a vigorous boil.
- Reduce heat, cover the saucepan, and allow rice to simmer gently until liquid is fully absorbed and grains become tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and keep warm while preparing the chicken.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature for optimal chicken cooking.
- Remove chicken from marinade and place on the heated surface, grilling each side for 6-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat appears completely opaque.
- Transfer grilled chicken atop the prepared lemon rice, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enhance the dish’s brightness by drizzling additional lemon juice over the plated meal before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profile by extending refrigeration time up to 8 hours.
- Use instant rice or pre-cooked rice for quicker preparation if time is limited.
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs or boneless cuts for varied texture and juiciness.
- Consider gluten-free option by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce in marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg