Mediterranean Chicken Citrus Rice (Print Version)
# 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:
01 -
Coat your chicken thighs with a mix of dried oregano, paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes all over both sides.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
01 -
Watch your heat level carefully so you don't burn the tasty chicken bits in the pan
02 -
Want more lemon punch? Grate some lemon zest and mix it into your rice
03 -
You can make this without dairy by leaving out the feta or swapping in your favorite non-dairy substitute