Hey friends! Are you tired of wondering what to make for dinner tonight? I totally get it. After a long day, the last thing you want is a complicated meal that takes hours. That is why I am so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort foods with you today. We are making a super delicious, bright, and hearty Greek lemon chicken and rice dish.
This meal brings all the warm and sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right into your cozy kitchen. It is packed with fresh garlic, tangy lemon juice, and tender chicken that melts in your mouth. If you loved our previous morning tips like the Sunrise Quinoa Bowl: Your Nutritious Morning Kickstart, you are going to adore this savory evening recipe just as much. Let us jump right into the kitchen and get cooking!
What You Need For This Recipe
You do not need any fancy ingredients to make this happen. Most of these items are probably sitting in your pantry or fridge right now. Here is your shopping list:
- Two pounds of chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on for maximum flavor
- One and a half cups of long-grain white rice, rinsed well
- Three tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- One large yellow onion, finely chopped
- Three cloves of fresh garlic, minced
- Three cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh juice from two big lemons
- One tablespoon of dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for topping
Step By Step Making
Cooking this meal is actually very simple. Just follow these easy steps and you will have a wonderful dinner ready in no time.
- First, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is hot and ready when you need it.
- Season your chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and half of your dried oregano. Make sure you rub the spices into the skin.
- Grab a large oven-safe skillet and place it on your stove over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Once the oil is hot, place the chicken skin-side down in the pan. Sear it for about five minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for two more minutes, then take the chicken out and put it on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil if the pan looks a little dry. Toss in your chopped onions and cook them for about four minutes until they become soft and clear.
- Add your minced garlic and the rest of the oregano. Stir constantly for about one minute until you smell that wonderful garlic aroma.
- Pour your rinsed white rice directly into the skillet. Stir it around for two minutes so the rice absorbs all those yummy flavors from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour in the chicken broth and the fresh lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan because that is pure flavor.
- Nestle your seared chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture, skin-side up.
- Carefully transfer the whole skillet into your preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked all the way through.
- Take it out of the oven and let it rest for five minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
Keeping track of what you eat is always a smart idea. Here is a quick look at the numbers for one generous serving of this tasty Greek dinner.
- Calories: Around 520 calories per serving
- Protein: About 38 grams
- Carbs: Around 45 grams
Health Benefits
Eating good food should also make you feel great. This dish offers some wonderful health benefits for you and your family.
Chicken thighs provide a great source of lean protein, which helps build and repair your muscles after a busy day. Using fresh lemon juice adds a nice dose of vitamin C to support your immune system. Cooking at home with quality olive oil gives your body healthy fats that are good for your heart.
When you want more dinner inspiration or kitchen tips, Azeely is always here to help you out with easy recipes that anyone can make.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
