Ingredients
Chicken and Rice
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (for chicken seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking chicken)
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 1 cup long grain rice (basmati or jasmine works too)
- 2 cups chicken broth (stock)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano (for rice)
- Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking onion)
Salad
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cucumber, cubed
- ½ red onion (about ¼ to ½, to taste), finely chopped
- 3½ ounces feta cheese, cubed
- Drizzle of olive oil (optional)
Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, cubed
- ½ clove garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped finely
- 2 squeezes lemon juice (about ½ lemon, optional)
To Serve
- ½ cup fresh parsley, washed and chopped
- 2 pita breads
- Extra lemon segments (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a wide bowl. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle half the seasoning over the chicken, turn, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning to coat evenly.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for a few minutes on each side until browned. Remove chicken and juices to a bowl and set aside.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a jug, combine chicken broth, 1 tablespoon oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Rice: Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pan. Cook chopped onions for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in uncooked rice and coat with onions and oil.
- Cook Chicken and Rice: Pour in broth mixture over rice. Arrange browned chicken on top of rice. Cover with lid, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium heat. Cook for 20 minutes until liquid is absorbed, rice is tender, and chicken is fully cooked.
- Make Salad and Tzatziki: Combine chopped tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and red onion in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil if desired. For tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt, cubed cucumber, crushed garlic, chopped dill, and lemon juice until well blended.
- Fluff Rice and Garnish: Use a fork to fluff the rice around the chicken in the pan. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.
- Prepare Pita Bread and Serve: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and warm pita breads until they start to puff. Slice into triangles. Plate the rice with chicken, add a generous scoop of salad and tzatziki, side with pita triangles and optional lemon segments.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs keeps the meat moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Jasmine or basmati rice can be substituted for long grain rice for slight variations in flavor and texture.
- To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking if time allows.
- Warm pita bread can be toasted in the oven or pan for best texture and flavor.
- Tzatziki sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if using salted chicken broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal