Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta

Introduction

Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Greece into your kitchen. It’s a one-pan meal that is colorful, healthy, and packed with deliciousness. The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese makes this dish not just tasty, but also easy to prepare.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy families or anyone wanting a quick and hearty meal. You get protein from the chicken and chickpeas, vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes, and a refreshing zing from the lemon. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup for you!

How to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups chicken broth
1 lemon, juiced and zested
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
Olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.
Stir in the rice and cook for an additional couple of minutes. This will help to toast the rice slightly.
Pour in the chicken broth along with the lemon juice and lemon zest. Bring everything to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is nearly done.
Now, it’s time to add the chickpeas, fresh spinach, and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Gently stir everything together, making sure to combine well. Cover again and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is fully cooked.
Once it’s done, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.

How to Serve Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Serve your Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice warm. It tastes great on its own, but you can also serve it with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the juices. It pairs well with a simple green salad for more freshness.

How to Store Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Store any leftover Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave until warm.

Tips to Make Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Make sure to chop the chicken into even pieces for even cooking.
Keep an eye on the rice while it’s cooking. If it looks too dry, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water.
Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on what you have at home. Zucchini or bell peppers would also work well!

Variation

You can switch up the protein by using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. You can also try different kinds of cheese, like goat cheese or mozzarella.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and add more liquid, as brown rice takes longer to cook.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free rice and check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before you store it in a freezer-safe container.