1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice

Tasty Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice

Featured in: Satisfying Recipes for the Main Event

Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice brings sunny flavors to your table in just half an hour. This all-in-one dish features succulent chicken thighs with oregano and paprika, served on tangy rice mixed with fresh spinach, sweet grape tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas. The meal gets its rich finish from sprinkled feta cheese mixed with herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Each mouthful offers a good mix of protein, veggies, and grains, making it both healthy and satisfying. The biggest plus? Everything cooks in one pan, so there's less washing up and more time to sit back and enjoy your meal.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman with blonde hair and a white shirt smiles at the camera.
Updated on Fri, 18 Apr 2025 17:15:35 GMT
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Pin it
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice | tastefullyrecipe.com

This one-pan Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice brings sunny Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner. The mix of juicy chicken, zesty lemon-soaked rice, and bright veggies makes a meal that's both simple and impressive. I came up with this when I wanted something that packed those Greek flavors without making a mess of my kitchen, and it really works - giving you that perfect mix of protein, carbs, and veggies all in one go.

I've cooked this so many times for family get-togethers and it always gets rave reviews. Even my super fussy niece always wants more, especially loving when the feta gets a bit soft and melty on top of the hot rice.

Key Ingredients

  • Juicy lemons: They add both zest and juice, bringing that zingy freshness this dish needs. Go for heavy, bright yellow ones for the best flavor.
  • Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): They stay juicy throughout cooking and pack more flavor. Try to pick pieces that are roughly the same size.
  • Rich extra virgin olive oil: It's the base that ties everything together. Find one with some fruity notes to really boost those Mediterranean vibes.
  • Basmati or jasmine rice: These make the perfect fluffy foundation. They soak up all the tasty juices while keeping their nice texture.
  • Paprika and fresh oregano: These team up to create that unmistakable Greek taste. Fresh herbs really do make the dish pop, but dried will work if that's all you've got.

Crafting Your Greek Delight

Warm Up Your Oil:
Start by getting your olive oil hot in a big, deep pan over medium-high heat. Be patient and let it warm up properly for the best chicken searing.
Add Flavor to Your Chicken:
Rub your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. This first layer of seasoning really makes the flavor pop.
Brown Your Chicken:
Drop the chicken into the hot pan and don't touch it for 5-6 minutes until it gets that golden crust. This patience pays off with juicier meat.
Get Everything Ready:
While your chicken cooks, grate and squeeze your lemons, chop your garlic, and measure out your rice. Having stuff ready makes cooking way smoother.
Mix In Your Rice:
After flipping the chicken, toss in the rice and mix it around to catch all those tasty chicken juices and oil. This helps pack flavor into every grain.

My grandma always told me to use chicken thighs for this dish, saying they're harder to mess up and taste better. After making this countless times both ways, I totally get it now. The natural fat in thighs creates this amazing rich taste that chicken breasts just can't match.

Simple Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Pin it
Simple Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice | tastefullyrecipe.com

Perfecting Mediterranean Rice

What makes this dish special is how the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors while cooking. I've found that letting the rice sit for 5-10 minutes after it's done makes a huge difference. This little break lets the grains finish drinking up any leftover liquid, making them perfectly fluffy.

Tasty Sides and Serving Suggestions

Make your Greek chicken and lemon rice into a complete feast by adding a fresh Greek salad with red wine dressing on the side. I love warming some pita bread and putting out a bowl of tzatziki too. The cool, creamy tzatziki works so well with the warm, lemony rice.

Making It Your Own

  • Don't be afraid to switch things up and make this recipe your own.
  • When I cook for veggie friends, I swap the chicken for big portobello mushrooms and throw in extra chickpeas.
  • If you're watching carbs, try cauliflower rice instead - it only needs about 8-10 minutes to cook through.

Storing Your Extras

Put any leftover food in sealed containers with parchment paper between layers so nothing sticks together. The flavors actually get even better overnight, so tomorrow's lunch might taste even better than dinner. When warming it up, splash a little water on the rice to bring back moisture, and sprinkle on some fresh herbs to brighten it up.

Zoomed-in Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Dish Pin it
Zoomed-in Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice Dish | tastefullyrecipe.com

I've tweaked this recipe for years, and now it's one of the dishes people always ask me to make. The way the lemon cuts through the rich chicken and rice, plus those little pops of salty feta cheese, creates this amazing balance of flavors. It just goes to show that sometimes the easiest meals end up being the ones everybody remembers.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap chicken thighs for breast?
Sure, chicken breast works fine but cook it for only about 4 minutes each side to keep it juicy.
→ How do I make this without dairy?
Just leave out the feta or try a plant-based feta substitute. The dish tastes great even without cheese.
→ Is it possible to prepare this beforehand?
You can chop everything and cook the rice earlier, but it's best to cook the chicken and put it all together right before eating.
→ Which rice should I use?
Jasmine rice is ideal, though any type of long-grain white rice will do the job.
→ Can I throw in other veggies?
Definitely! Try adding some bell peppers, zucchini, or summer squash when you're cooking the tomatoes.

Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice

This Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice blends juicy chicken, garden veggies, and tangy lemon in a single pot for a simple yet delicious Mediterranean supper.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Patricia


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Chicken

01 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
03 1 teaspoon paprika
04 ¼ teaspoon salt
05 ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ For the Lemony Rice

07 2 cups jasmine rice, already cooked
08 8 ounces grape tomatoes, sliced in half
09 5 cloves garlic, chopped finely
10 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
11 ¼ teaspoon salt
12 5 ounces spinach, chopped roughly
13 3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
14 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas
15 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ For the Feta Topping

16 6 ounces feta cheese, diced into small cubes
17 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
18 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
19 ¼ teaspoon oregano, dried
20 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (extra for garnishing)

Instructions

Step 01

Coat your chicken thighs with a mix of dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes all over both sides.

Step 02

Warm up a big skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Pour in olive oil and sear the chicken for roughly 5 minutes per side until they turn golden and reach 165°F inside. Remove and put them aside.

Step 03

Using the same unwashed pan (those chicken drippings add amazing flavor!), throw in half the tomatoes, garlic, dried oregano, salt, and olive oil. Cook until soft for about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Toss in the spinach and let it shrink down. Mix your cooked rice and chickpeas into the pan. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and add the remaining tomatoes. Stir everything together until warm.

Step 05

Meanwhile, combine the cubed feta with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano in a separate bowl, making sure all cheese pieces get coated with the herbs.

Step 06

Mix half the feta combo into your rice, place chicken back in, and warm everything up. Scatter the leftover feta mixture on top with fresh oregano. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you want.

Notes

  1. Watch your heat level carefully so you don't burn the tasty chicken bits in the pan
  2. Want more lemon punch? Grate some lemon zest and mix it into your rice
  3. You can make this without dairy by leaving out the feta or swapping in your favorite non-dairy substitute

Tools You'll Need

  • Deep skillet with high sides (cast-iron or stainless steel works best)
  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowls

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Has dairy from the feta cheese

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 755
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
  • Protein: 53 g