Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan convenience: Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Balanced meal: Packed with protein, veggies, and carbs for a complete dish.
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Mediterranean flavors: Zesty lemon, creamy feta, and fresh vegetables give it a refreshing taste.
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with your favorite veggies or proteins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear the chicken pieces until golden on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the rice: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and spinach: Stir in the chickpeas and chopped spinach. Place the seared chicken back into the skillet on top of the rice. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until the spinach wilts and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with tomatoes and feta: Remove the skillet from heat. Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and double the chickpeas or add tofu for extra protein.
- Rice options: Use brown rice or quinoa for a whole-grain alternative (adjust cooking time and liquid).
- Extra veggies: Add zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for more color and texture.
- Cheese swap: Replace feta with goat cheese or Parmesan for a different flavor.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to keep the rice moist.
- Freezing: While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and tend to be juicier.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat before serving. Add fresh feta and tomatoes just before serving for the best flavor.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
4. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, drained diced tomatoes can be used in place of fresh grape tomatoes.
5. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs well with a simple Greek salad or warm pita bread.
6. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook, so adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
7. How do I prevent the rice from sticking?
Stir the rice before covering, and ensure you’re cooking on low heat to avoid burning.
8. Can I add olives?
Absolutely! Kalamata olives add a briny kick that complements the dish.
9. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the feta or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
10. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, stir in shredded or diced cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Grape Tomatoes, and Feta Cheese is a quick and satisfying one-pan meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a wholesome and flavorful dish that’s easy to customize and sure to impress. Try it tonight for a taste of the Mediterranean in your kitchen!
Print
Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe is a Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon rice, fresh spinach, grape tomatoes, chickpeas, and creamy feta cheese. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and oregano. Sear until golden (about 5 minutes). Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add Chickpeas and Spinach: Stir in chickpeas and spinach. Place seared chicken on top of the rice. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes, until spinach wilts and chicken is fully cooked.
- Finish with Tomatoes and Feta: Remove from heat, fold in grape tomatoes, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time for brown rice or quinoa if substituting.
- Add Kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Serve with Greek salad or pita bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
