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Comfort food often evokes memories of warmth, family gatherings, and cherished recipes passed down through generations. One-pot meals, in particular, represent the pinnacle of cozy dining, merging simplicity with flavor in a single dish. Among the myriad of global cuisines, Greek food stands out for its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it an enduring favorite for home cooks. One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice is a perfect embodiment of this culinary tradition. With its tantalizing combination of succulent chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs, this dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also a celebration of the Mediterranean way of life.

One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Discover the joy of One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice, a Mediterranean masterpiece that blends succulent chicken, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, offering rich flavors and minimal cleanup. With its tender chicken and fluffy rice, infused with vibrant ingredients like tomatoes and olives, it’s a delightful way to bring family and friends together around the table. Embrace the ease of one-pot cooking while indulging in a flavorful journey to Greece from your kitchen.
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati)

2 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.

    Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

      Toast the Rice: Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes to slightly toast it, stirring constantly. This step enhances the flavor of the rice.

        Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Return the chicken thighs to the pot, placing them on top of the rice mixture. Bring to a gentle boil.

          Simmer and Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow to simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is tender.

            Add Tomatoes and Olives: After the rice is cooked, gently stir in the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Cover again and let it sit for an extra 5 minutes off the heat to allow the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to soften slightly.

              Serve and Garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, carefully mixing in the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious One-Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings