Greek Lemon Rice

Greek Lemon Rice

10 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin oil

    or butter

  • 1 garlic clove

    minced

  • 1/2 onion

    finely chopped, white, brown, yellow

  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice

    uncooked, Note 1

  • 1 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 large lemon

    1 tsp zest + 3 - 4 tbsp lemon juice

  • 3 tbsp finely chopped parsley
  • 3 tbsp finely chopped dill

    or sub with parsley, oregano, basil chives, mint

  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. 1

  2. 2

    Heat oil over medium heat in large saucepan or small pot.

  3. 3

    Add garlic and onion. Cook for 5 minutes or until translucent and sweet.

  4. 4

    Add rice and stir until rice turns mostly translucent.

  5. 5

    Add broth and water. Place lid on, bring to simmer then turn heat down to low.

  6. 6

    Cook for 12 minutes or until water is evaporated.

  7. 7

    Remove from from stove and rest for 10 minutes (keep the lid on).

  8. 8

    Remove lid. stir through lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs and salt and pepper to taste.

  9. 9

    Lovey served warm or at room temperature.

Greek Lemon Rice

Greek Lemon Rice

5.0(69)10 min10 mins

Similar Recipes

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Recipe video above. The best chicken and rice recipe in the world!! This is not an authentic Greek dish (as far as I know!) but it is made using classic Greek ingredients. The beauty of this is that it is all made in one pot / pan. Cooking the rice with the chicken on top adds extra flavour to the rice because the chicken juices get soaked up by the rice. MARINATING TIME: 20 minutes to overnight. {Recipe video above} SCALE RECIPE using servings slider - hover mouse over Servings.

60 minutes5 servings667 kcal
Cretan Pilafi - Greek Lemon Rice

Cretan Pilafi - Greek Lemon Rice

30 minutes6 servings282 kcal
Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Potatoes

2.5 hours
Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

This lemon chicken is the best dinner with juicy, tender, and golden chicken thighs coated in a delicious lemon-herb Greek marinade. Watch how I make it and serve it up in the video below!

55 minutes8 servings
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This Greek lemon chicken dish with crispy roast potatoes flavored with garlic, lemon, and oregano is one of Chef John's favorite chicken recipes.

60 minutes4 servings1139 kcal
Greek Lemon Potatoes

Greek Lemon Potatoes

For the dreamiest roasted potatoes — with creamy insides and very crispy outsides — follow this classic Greek method of roasting peeled potatoes in equal parts olive oil, lemon juice and chicken stock. The potatoes soak up the flavorful liquid, allowing the insides to remain tender while the outsides crisp in the oven’s high heat. You can follow the same method for russet potatoes, though the final result will be less moist.

349 kcal
Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes

Roasted Greek Lemon Potatoes

These Greek lemon potatoes, with olive oil, lemon juice, and broth, are roasted until crisp and golden outside, tender and soft inside.

75 minutes282 kcal
Rice Pilaf

Rice Pilaf

Our easy Rice Pilaf recipe is my favorite way to upgrade white rice, with toasted rice cooked in chicken broth and seasonings. It pairs perfectly with any main dish and is picky-eater approved.

30 minutes276 kcal

Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 69 ratings

recipetineats.com
5.0(69 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving a bright, flavorful side dish that instantly transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean? This Greek Lemon Rice recipe delivers sunshine and incredible taste in every spoonful, making it the perfect, versatile accompaniment to almost any meal.

The true magic of this rice lies in its elegant simplicity and the harmonious pairing of fresh, zesty lemon with an abundance of fragrant herbs like parsley and dill. Starting with a gentle sauté of minced garlic and finely chopped onion creates a foundational aromatic layer, allowing the bright, tangy citrus notes and herbaceous freshness to truly sing. It's a dish where humble ingredients come together to create something truly special.

Prepare for a wonderfully tender and fluffy rice, each grain infused with a refreshing citrus aroma and a delightful herbaceous lift. You'll experience a harmonious balance of bright tang from the lemon, savory depth from the broth and aromatics, and the fresh, clean taste of the herbs. The hint of richness from extra virgin olive oil (or butter) ensures a satisfying and comforting texture, making it a side dish that feels both invigorating and deeply satisfying. This recipe elevates everyday rice into something memorable, showcasing the power of simple, high-quality ingredients.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. If fresh dill isn't readily available, don't hesitate to substitute with an equal amount of other finely chopped herbs like additional parsley, a touch of oregano, basil, chives, or even fresh mint for a different aromatic twist. For a slightly richer, butterier flavor profile when sautéing your garlic and onion, feel free to use butter in place of the extra virgin olive oil.

This versatile Greek Lemon Rice shines as an exceptional partner for a wide array of main courses, from succulent grilled fish and tender roasted chicken to savory lamb chops. It also stands beautifully on its own as a light, flavorful vegetarian meal or as an integral part of a vibrant Mediterranean mezze platter.

Frequently Asked Questions