One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice

Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled in a bed of fragrant rice, infused with bright Mediterranean flavors of lemon, oregano, and garlic. One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice delivers all the authentic taste of Greek cuisine with minimal cleanup required. This comforting dish brings together succulent chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and colorful vegetables in a harmonious blend that will transport your taste buds straight to the Greek isles. You’ll learn how to create this family-friendly meal with just one pot and simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. The combination of tender chicken thighs with their crispy, herb-seasoned skin creates a delightful texture contrast against the soft, flavorful rice beneath. Each grain absorbs the savory chicken juices, olive oil, and Mediterranean herbs for an incredibly rich taste experience.

What makes this dish truly special is its versatility and simplicity. Even kitchen novices can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The one-pot approach means you’ll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. Plus, the vibrant colors from the red bell peppers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs make this Greek chicken and rice as visually appealing as it is delicious.

The balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables creates a complete meal in one dish, eliminating the need for multiple sides. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining guests, this Mediterranean chicken dish delivers impressive results every time.

Ingredients

For the One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 2 lbs (900g) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
• 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 4 tbsp (60ml) olive oil, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (125ml) white wine (or additional broth)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon (the secret ingredient!)
• 1 cup (175g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted
• ¼ cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley and dill for garnish
• Salt and black pepper to taste

The authentic Greek flavor comes from the combination of oregano, thyme, lemon, and that hint of cinnamon, which adds unexpected warmth to this Mediterranean rice dish.

Pro Tips

Season Aggressively: For the most flavorful Mediterranean chicken and rice, season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before searing. This creates a foundation of flavor that permeates the entire dish. Don’t be afraid to season the rice as well—the grains should be just as flavorful as the chicken.

Perfect the Sear: The key to exceptional One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is properly searing the chicken thighs. Start with room temperature chicken (take them out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking) and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Sear skin-side down in hot oil without moving them for 5-7 minutes until deeply golden. This creates that irresistible crispy skin and seals in the juices.

Rice Texture Control: For perfectly cooked rice, maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil. If the rice seems too dry during cooking, add an extra ¼ cup of hot broth. Conversely, if it’s too wet near the end of cooking, remove the lid and increase the heat slightly for the last few minutes. Remember that the rice will continue to absorb liquid as it rests, so it’s better to have it slightly more moist than dry when you remove it from the heat.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by rinsing the rice until the water runs clear, then draining well. Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This ensures maximum flavor and properly crispy skin.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes without moving it until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side, then transfer to a plate.

Step 3: In the same pot, reduce heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil. Add the diced onions and red bell peppers, cooking for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The aromatic base you’re creating will infuse your Greek chicken and rice with incredible depth of flavor.

Step 4: Stir in the dried oregano, thyme, paprika, and cinnamon, toasting the spices for about 30 seconds. Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat with the oil and spices for about 1-2 minutes. This toasting step adds a nutty dimension to your One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice.

Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, white wine, and lemon juice, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken thighs on top, skin-side up. Arrange lemon slices around the chicken and scatter half of the cherry tomatoes and olives throughout the rice.

Step 6: Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Avoid the temptation to peek or stir during this time, as the steam is crucial for properly cooking the rice.

Step 7: Once cooked, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld together. Before serving, add the remaining fresh cherry tomatoes, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and dill.

Variations

Vegetable-Forward Version: Transform this One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice into a vegetable extravaganza by adding zucchini, eggplant, and artichoke hearts. Cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces and add them when you return the chicken to the pot. For an even more substantial vegetable version, reduce the rice to 1 cup and increase the vegetables accordingly. This creates a lower-carb option that’s still incredibly satisfying.

Seafood Twist: For a coastal Greek-inspired variation, substitute the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp and 1 pound of firm white fish like cod or halibut. Sear the fish pieces briefly instead of chicken, remove them, then proceed with the recipe as written. Add the seafood back to the pot during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. This seafood version of Mediterranean rice pairs beautifully with an extra squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Vegetarian Option: Create a vegetarian version by omitting the chicken and using vegetable broth instead. Add 1 can (15 oz) of drained chickpeas for protein, and increase the vegetables and feta cheese. You might also want to add ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts for texture and an extra drizzle of good quality olive oil before serving for richness.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

For freezing, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers, separating the chicken from the rice if possible for more even reheating. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serve this Greek chicken and rice straight from the pot for a rustic presentation, or transfer to a large serving platter surrounded by additional lemon wedges. For a complete Greek feast, pair with a simple Greek salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar, warm pita bread, and tzatziki sauce on the side. For a special touch, serve with a glass of crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or Moschofilero to complement the bright Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. However, bone-in chicken provides more flavor and helps prevent the meat from drying out. If using boneless pieces, reduce the cooking time by about 5 minutes and check for doneness earlier.

What if I don’t have a Dutch oven?
Any large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid will work. The key is having enough space for the chicken pieces to sit on top of the rice without overcrowding.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Increase the broth to 2 cups and extend the cooking time to about 45 minutes. You may want to partially cook the chicken separately and add it to the pot for the last 25 minutes to prevent it from overcooking.

Is there a substitute for white wine?
Absolutely! You can use additional chicken broth with a teaspoon of white wine vinegar or lemon juice for acidity. For a different flavor profile, you could also use a splash of ouzo, which adds an authentic Greek anise flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or include 1-2 finely chopped fresh green chilies with the garlic. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper before serving would also add a pleasant heat.

Conclusion

This One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a vibrant, flavor-packed meal that brings the sunny Mediterranean to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special occasions while still being simple enough for everyday cooking. The marriage of crispy-skinned chicken, aromatic herbs, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts, proving that the best recipes often combine simplicity with exceptional flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Greek-inspired one-pot wonder delivers satisfaction in every bite.

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