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Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowl Recipe

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4.3 from 11 reviews

This Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowl is a flavorful, one-pan meal featuring tender, seasoned chicken thighs cooked with aromatic rice infused with oregano and lemon. Served alongside a fresh tomato-cucumber salad, homemade tzatziki, and warm pita bread, this dish delivers a vibrant taste of Greece in just 40 minutes. Perfect for a wholesome family dinner or casual entertaining.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Prepare Broth Mixture: In a jug, combine chicken broth, 1 tablespoon oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Fluff Rice and Garnish: Use a fork to fluff the rice around the chicken in the pan. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.
  8. 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.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Halal