Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for a dairy-free version, omit or use dairy-free feta)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken breasts.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Rice:
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice in the oil and onion mixture.
- Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest, stirring to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the rice is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach, grape tomatoes, and cooked chickpeas.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top if using.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Benefits:
- Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is packed with protein from the chicken and chickpeas, fiber from the spinach and tomatoes, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
- Gluten-Free: Using rice instead of wheat-based products makes this meal suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Easily Adaptable: Omit the feta cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to make the dish completely dairy-free.
- One-Pot Meal: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of paprika, oregano, and lemon gives this dish a vibrant and zesty flavor profile, reminiscent of Mediterranean cuisine.
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice!