Picture this: a plate brimming with juicy Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice, glistening under a spritz of fresh lemon juice that dances like tiny fairies across your taste buds. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses as you imagine biting into tender chicken infused with zesty goodness and paired perfectly with fluffy rice that’s soaked up every bit of flavor.
Now let me take you back to that time my Aunt Sofia decided to whip up her famous Easy Greek Lemon Chicken for our family reunion. It was a culinary spectacle—kids darting around while adults savored each bite as if they were at the last supper. You’d think we were at a Michelin-star restaurant instead of my aunt’s cozy kitchen. The flavors were unforgettable and have since become a staple in my own home.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This amazing greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
A small paragraph of a Personal anecdote of 15 to 20 words sharing a specific experience with the recipe.
That reunion sparked my love for this dish; even my picky cousin devoured seconds
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Lemons: Opt for bright yellow lemons; they should feel heavy for their size to ensure juiciness.
- Garlic Cloves: Use fresh garlic cloves; they add an aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits.
- Long Grain Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice works best for that fluffy texture we all crave.
- Chicken Broth: For added depth of flavor in the rice; homemade broth is unbeatable
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds color and brightness; don’t skip it
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your chicken breasts and let them soak up those zesty flavors for at least 30 minutes.
Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Once hot, place marinated chicken breasts gently into the pan until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes per side.
Add Rice and Broth: Remove chicken temporarily from the skillet (don’t worry; it will be back). In that same skillet, add rinsed rice and sauté briefly before adding steaming hot chicken broth.
Return Chicken to Skillet: Nestle those beautiful browned chicken breasts right into your simmering rice mixture. Cover tightly and cook until rice absorbs liquid—approximately 15-20 minutes.
Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked through, sprinkle chopped parsley over top and serve immediately Your kitchen will smell like an upscale Mediterranean restaurant—no reservations needed.
Enjoy this delectable journey as you savor each bite of Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken for at least an hour to soak up flavors. While it marinates, prepare your flavorful rice and any sides you desire. Cook the chicken last to keep it juicy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa or add veggies like bell peppers or olives for added texture and taste. A sprinkle of feta can elevate the entire dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness
- Don’t rush the marination process; letting it sit longer truly intensifies the flavors
- Grate fresh lemon zest into your rice for an extra zing that complements the chicken beautifully
It was during a family cookout that I first served this dish, and my cousin declared it was “life-changing.” Now, every gathering, I’m practically forced to make this Greek lemon chicken
FAQ
What’s the best way to marinate chicken?
Marinate in a sealed bag or bowl, ensuring all sides are coated well.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F when done cooking.

Easy Greek Lemon Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of Easy Greek Lemon Chicken with Flavorful Rice, a delightful dish that transports you to the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 fresh lemons (juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup long grain rice (jasmine or basmati)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate chicken by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- In a hot skillet, sear marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add rinsed rice to the skillet and sauté briefly before pouring in hot chicken broth.
- Return chicken to the skillet, cover tightly, and cook for 15-20 minutes until rice absorbs the liquid.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken longer if possible. - Substitute quinoa for rice or add vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition. - A sprinkle of feta cheese elevates the dish beautifully.