One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

5 servings
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.

Ingredients

  • chicken thighs

    skin on, bone in), (about 1 kg / 2 lb

    5
  • lemons

    use the zest + 4 tbsp lemon juice), (note 7

    1
  • dried oregano
    1 tbsp
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    4
  • salt
    ½ tsp
  • olive oil

    separated

    1 ½ tbsp
  • onion

    finely diced

    1 small
  • long grain rice)

    , uncooked (note 6

    1 c
  • chicken broth / stock
    1 ½ c
  • water
    ¾ c
  • dried oregano
    1 tbsp
  • salt
    ¾ tsp
  • black pepper
  • finely chopped parsley or oregano

    optional

  • fresh lemon zest

    highly recommended

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine the Chicken and Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and set aside for at least 20 minutes but preferably overnight.

To cook

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F.

  2. 2

    Remove chicken from marinade, but reserve the Marinade.

  3. 3

    Heat 1/2 tbsp olive oil in a deep, heavy based skillet (Note 2) over medium high heat.

  4. 4

    Place the chicken in the skillet, skin side down, and cook until golden brown, then turn and cook the other side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

  5. 5

    Pour off fat and wipe the pan with a scrunched up ball of paper towel (to remove black bits), then return to the stove.

  6. 6

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and sauté for a few minutes until translucent. Then add the remaining Rice ingredients and reserved Marinade.

  7. 7

    Let the liquid come to a simmer and let it simmer for 30 seconds. Place the chicken on top then place a lid on the skillet (Note 3). Bake in the oven for 35 minutes. Then remove the lid and bake for a further 10 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (so 45 minutes in total).

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, garnished with parsley or oregano and fresh lemon zest, if desired.

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

60 min5 servings667 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? This One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe delivers incredible taste with minimal cleanup, making it a weeknight hero in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this dish lies in its ingenious one-pot approach. By cooking the chicken thighs directly on top of the rice, the rich, savory chicken juices infuse every grain, creating an intensely flavorful lemon rice that's far beyond ordinary. The generous marinating time, from 20 minutes to overnight, ensures the chicken itself is bursting with classic Greek-inspired flavors from lemon, oregano, and garlic.

What truly sets this one pot chicken and rice recipe apart is the way the chicken and rice cook together, allowing all those savory notes to meld seamlessly. You'll get perfectly tender, juicy chicken and aromatic, fluffy rice imbued with bright lemon and earthy oregano. This hearty dish, while not an authentic Greek dish, uses those familiar, beloved flavors to create a satisfying meal that feels both special and incredibly easy to make. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory chicken and vibrant, herb-infused rice.

Customization & Variations

While the recipe calls for specific skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for maximum flavor, you can always adjust the fresh garnishes to your liking. Feel free to enhance the presentation and flavor with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or oregano. A final touch of fresh lemon zest is highly recommended to brighten the entire dish right before serving.

Serving & Context

This robust One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is perfect for a cozy family dinner or when you need a comforting meal with minimal fuss. Serve it straight from the pot for an impressive, yet effortless, presentation that highlights its rustic charm.

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