Dinner

One Skillet Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice

This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like you’ve been secretly taking cooking classes while everyone else was binge-watching Netflix.

Picture this: golden chicken nestled in a bed of perfectly seasoned rice, with bright lemon slices caramelized to perfection and feta cheese melting into every single bite.

The best part isn’t just how ridiculously good this tastes—it’s that everything happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to accept compliments on your culinary genius.

We’re talking about tender chicken that practically falls apart, rice that’s absorbed every drop of lemony, herb-infused flavor, and those little pops of briny olives that make your taste buds do a happy dance.

This recipe is basically Mediterranean comfort food at its finest, with that perfect balance of bright acidity from the lemon and rich, savory depth from the herbs and feta.

Fair warning: once you make this, people are going to start inviting themselves over for dinner, so you might want to double the recipe next time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless chicken breasts or thighs
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
1 /2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice Base

4 tablespoons salted butter
1 lemon, sliced
1 /2 cup dry orzo
1 cup dry rice
2 shallots, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3-4 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 cups chopped spinach

For the Finishing Touch

1 /2 cup pitted green olives, crushed
1 /2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 /2 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Preparation

1 Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help create that perfect golden crust on top while ensuring the rice cooks evenly throughout.
2 In a large oven-safe cast iron skillet, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil, chicken, oregano, paprika, cayenne, 1 tablespoon thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is completely coated with the aromatic spice mixture. Set the skillet over high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken releases easily from the pan and has developed a beautiful caramelized crust. Remove the chicken and any accumulated juices to a plate and set aside.

Building the Rice Base

3 To the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), add 3 tablespoons butter, orzo, rice, thinly sliced shallots, chopped garlic, and the remaining 1 tablespoon thyme. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes lightly toasted and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and arrange the lemon slices throughout the mixture. Allow the butter to brown slightly around the lemons—this creates an incredible nutty, citrusy aroma that will make your kitchen smell absolutely divine.

Combining and Cooking

4 Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and immediately mix in the chopped spinach, watching as it wilts into the hot liquid. Season generously with salt and pepper, then bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Carefully slide the seared chicken and any accumulated juices back into the skillet, nestling the pieces into the rice mixture. Bring everything back to a boil, then cover the skillet tightly and reduce heat to the lowest possible setting. Allow the rice to cook for 10 minutes, until most of the liquid has been absorbed but the mixture still looks slightly saucy. If the rice seems too dry, add more broth 1/4 cup at a time. Transfer the uncovered skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Finishing Touches

5 Meanwhile, prepare the fresh topping by mixing the crushed green olives, crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil leaves, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a small bowl. Drizzle with a bit of extra virgin olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
6 Serve the chicken and rice immediately, topped generously with the olive-feta mixture and additional fresh basil. For an extra touch of richness, consider adding sliced avocado on top—the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the bright, Mediterranean flavors.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Tools (for best results):

Large oven-safe cast iron skillet – The heavy bottom provides even heat distribution and goes seamlessly from stovetop to oven, creating that perfect golden crust while preventing hot spots that could burn the rice
Instant-read thermometer – Takes the guesswork out of determining when your chicken is perfectly cooked through without overdoing it
Sharp chef’s knife – Makes quick work of slicing shallots, chopping garlic, and preparing fresh herbs with clean cuts that preserve flavors
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Won’t scratch your skillet’s surface while stirring and helps scrape up those flavorful browned bits

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen scale – For the most accurate rice-to-liquid ratios, especially if you want to double or triple this recipe for entertaining
Microplane grater – Perfect for zesting lemons if you want to add extra citrus brightness to the dish
Quality cutting board – A sturdy surface makes prep work safer and more efficient when handling raw chicken and fresh ingredients

Nice-to-Have Options:

Tongs – Makes flipping and handling the chicken pieces much easier during the searing process
Glass measuring cups – The clear sides help you see exactly how much broth you’re adding, especially important for achieving the perfect rice texture

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Gluten-Free Adaptation:

Replace the orzo with additional 1/2 cup rice or substitute with gluten-free orzo made from corn or rice flour
Double-check that your chicken broth is certified gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat-based additives
The texture will be slightly different without traditional orzo, but equally delicious with a more uniform rice consistency

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Substitute the butter with 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or vegan butter alternative
Replace feta cheese with dairy-free feta made from nuts, or simply increase the olives and fresh herbs for extra flavor
The dish maintains its Mediterranean character while accommodating dairy sensitivities

Protein Variations:

Lamb option: Replace chicken with 1 pound cubed lamb shoulder for a more traditional Greek flavor profile
Seafood twist: Add 1 pound large shrimp during the last 5 minutes of oven cooking time
Vegetarian version: Omit chicken entirely and add 1 cup chickpeas and extra vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini

Flavor Variations:

Herb substitutions: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or a combination of dried herbs de Provence
Spice level: Increase cayenne pepper or add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for more heat
Seasonal additions: Include 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in summer or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers in fall

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This one-skillet meal provides approximately 668 calories per serving, with a well-balanced macronutrient profile featuring lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice and orzo, and healthy fats from olive oil and olives. Each serving delivers roughly 35 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety, while the combination of rice and orzo provides sustained energy through complex carbohydrates.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
The extra virgin olive oil contains powerful antioxidants and monounsaturated fats that support heart health and reduce inflammation. Fresh herbs like thyme and basil are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus antimicrobial compounds that may boost immune function. Spinach adds a significant dose of iron, folate, and lutein for eye health, while garlic provides allicin, known for its cardiovascular and immune-supporting properties. The feta cheese contributes calcium and probiotics, and lemons deliver vitamin C and citrus flavonoids that enhance iron absorption from the spinach.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe naturally fits into Mediterranean, gluten-containing, and omnivorous dietary patterns. It contains dairy (butter and feta) and is not suitable for vegans without modifications. The dish provides a good balance of all macronutrients and can easily fit into a balanced diet when paired with additional vegetables or a simple salad for extra fiber and micronutrients.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Chicken thighs for breasts → Use equal weight but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes as thighs cook faster and stay more tender
White rice for brown rice → Increase cooking liquid to 4 cups and extend cooking time by 10 minutes for proper texture
Dried herbs for fresh → Use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs (so 2 teaspoons dried thyme instead of 2 tablespoons fresh)
Vegetable broth for chicken broth → Direct 1:1 substitution, though you may want to add 1 teaspoon extra salt for depth

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Chicken thighs instead of breasts → Often half the price and actually more flavorful due to higher fat content
Regular olives for specialty varieties → Any pitted olives work; kalamata or green olives from the grocery store olive bar are perfect
Dried oregano and thyme → Much more affordable than fresh and work beautifully in this slow-cooked application

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

No orzo available → Replace with 1/2 cup small pasta like ditalini, or simply use 1.5 cups total rice
No fresh lemons → Use 3 tablespoons bottled lemon juice plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest if available
No shallots → Substitute with 1 medium yellow onion, diced, for similar sweetness and flavor

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water first to prevent a watery final dish
Store leftover fresh herbs in water like flowers to extend their life, or freeze them in olive oil in ice cube trays

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Replace half the rice with 2 cups cauliflower rice to reduce carbs by approximately 30 grams per serving
Eliminate the orzo entirely and increase vegetables like diced bell peppers, zucchini, or additional spinach
Use shirataki rice as a complete rice replacement to cut carbs to nearly zero while maintaining the satisfying texture

Portion & Timing Tips:

Reduce serving size to 3/4 cup and pair with a large mixed green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar
Estimated carbs per full serving: approximately 45 grams from rice and orzo combined
Modified version carbs: approximately 25 grams when using half cauliflower rice substitution
Pair with protein-rich sides like a small Greek salad with extra feta to help slow glucose absorption

Blood Sugar Management:

Add extra fiber with 1/2 cup chopped artichoke hearts or 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to help moderate blood sugar response
Serve with vinegar-based sides like marinated vegetables, as the acetic acid can help improve insulin sensitivity
Consider eating the protein and vegetables first, then the rice portion, to minimize blood sugar spikes

Total Carb Reduction: Modified version reduces carbs by approximately 40% while maintaining the Mediterranean flavors and satisfying texture.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio beautifully complements the bright lemon and herb flavors, while the acidity cuts through the richness of the butter and feta. For red wine lovers, a light Côtes du Rhône or Greek Assyrtiko pairs wonderfully with the oregano and thyme. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with fresh lemon or iced green tea with mint, both of which enhance the Mediterranean theme without competing with the dish’s delicate flavors.

Side Dish Recommendations:
Greek village salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, rich main dish. Roasted Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers echo the flavor profile while adding different textures. Warm pita bread or crusty sourdough is perfect for soaking up any remaining pan juices. Tzatziki sauce on the side adds cooling cucumber and garlic notes that complement the lemon and herbs beautifully.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Start with hummus and warm olives as an appetizer, serve the chicken and rice as the main course with a simple arugula salad, and finish with Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and chopped pistachios. For entertaining, this creates an authentic Mediterranean feast that feels both elegant and approachable.

Occasion Suggestions:
This dish is perfect for casual dinner parties where you want impressive flavors without complicated preparation, family Sunday dinners that bring everyone together, or meal prep sessions since it reheats beautifully throughout the week.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Always let your cast iron skillet get properly hot before adding the chicken—you should hear an immediate sizzle when the meat hits the pan. This creates the Maillard reaction that develops complex flavors and prevents sticking. Don’t move the chicken too early; it will release naturally when properly seared. Toast the rice and orzo until they smell nutty and turn slightly golden—this extra step adds incredible depth to the final dish.

Common Mistake Prevention:
Never skip the browning step for the chicken, even if you’re in a hurry—this is where most of the flavor develops. Don’t lift the lid during the stovetop simmering phase, as this releases essential steam needed for proper rice cooking. Check your liquid levels before transferring to the oven; the rice should still look slightly soupy, not dry, as it will continue absorbing moisture during baking.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. To reheat, add 2-3 tablespoons chicken broth to prevent drying out, then warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. The microwave works too—use 50% power and stir every 2 minutes to ensure even heating.

Make-Ahead Strategy:
You can prepare this dish completely and refrigerate for up to 2 days before serving. Actually, the flavors improve overnight! Just add 1/4 cup extra broth before reheating since the rice continues to absorb liquid during storage.

Scaling Tips:
This recipe doubles beautifully—just use a larger roasting pan or two skillets. When doubling, increase oven time by 5-10 minutes and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the chicken.

This Greek lemon chicken and rice proves that the best meals don’t require complicated techniques or endless cleanup—just quality ingredients, proper technique, and one really good skillet. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, aromatic rice, and fresh Mediterranean flavors creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated, making it ideal for everything from weeknight dinners to entertaining guests. With its built-in sides and minimal cleanup requirements, this recipe will quickly become your go-to when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.