Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Why Make This Recipe
Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. It’s not only tasty but also healthy, featuring chicken, spinach, and chickpeas, which makes it a complete meal. The lemon adds a fresh zing, paired perfectly with the creamy feta cheese. This recipe is great for family dinners or meal prepping for the week.
How to Make Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Lemon
- Rice
- Chickpeas
- Spinach
- Grape tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add rice, chickpeas, and chicken broth (or water) along with lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until rice is cooked.
- Stir in spinach and grape tomatoes and cook until spinach is wilted.
- Serve chicken on top of the rice mixture garnished with feta cheese.
How to Serve Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
You can serve this dish straight from the pan for a family-style meal or plate it individually. Garnish with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or some roasted vegetables.
How to Store Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing the chicken and rice mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Tips to Make Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken to ensure it browns nicely.
- You can adjust the lemon juice to your taste; if you love a strong lemon flavor, add more.
- For added texture, try toasting the rice in olive oil before adding the liquid.
- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
Variation
You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Additionally, if you want a different twist, try adding olives or artichokes for an authentic Greek flair.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as it takes longer to cook.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and chickpeas.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time and reheat it for a quick meal later.
Greek Chicken with Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful Mediterranean dish with chicken, lemon, and creamy feta cheese, perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts
- 1 Lemon
- 1 cup Rice
- 1 can Chickpeas
- 2 cups Spinach
- 1 cup Grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan.
- Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add rice, chickpeas, and chicken broth (or water) along with lemon juice and zest. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until rice is cooked.
- Stir in spinach and grape tomatoes and cook until spinach is wilted.
- Serve chicken on top of the rice mixture garnished with feta cheese.
Notes
Adjust lemon juice to taste; for more texture, toast the rice in olive oil before adding the liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
