Mediterranean Diet Chicken with Lemon Rice Recipe

Easy lemon-herb chicken nestled in fragrant rice, Mediterranean-style! This quick one-pot wonder packs protein & vibrant Greek flavors in just 30 mins

Typical Mediterranean dish you’d find in a Greek Port

Fancy a taste of those tiny family spots tucked away in a Greek harbour, where salty fishermen pop in for lunch after hauling in their catch? Step away from the tourist spots in Katakolon or Piraeus Port, and you’ll find little tavernas serving up this classic dish – just one of 25 authentic Mediterranean foods you need to try in port. Nothing complicated here, just honest port town cooking you’ll find on any of these stunning Greek islands worth exploring where lemon and herbs steal the show.

The magic happens when everything comes together in one pot – the chicken turns out super juicy whilst the rice gets infused with all those Mediterranean flavours. Just like what you’d get at that perfect little taverna where you can hear the waves lapping against the dock. It’s proper Greek comfort food, the kind that fuels dock workers all day long, and now you can rustle it up right in your own kitchen.

Best bit? It’s a total win for healthy eating – no gluten, no dairy (unless you fancy sprinkling some feta on top), and it’s got that heart-healthy Mediterranean diet thing going on. And trust me, you won’t believe this all comes together in just 30 minutes.

What makes it special:

All those colourful veg like juicy grape tomatoes and fresh spinach pack it with nutrients
Chickpeas make it extra filling (and bump up the protein)
Everything cooks in one pot, so washing up’s a breeze
Dead flexible – brilliant for meal prep, family dinner, or having mates round

Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken

Get your pan nice and hot before adding the chicken breasts for a proper golden crust
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking – keeps all those lovely juices in
Chuck in a cinnamon stick with the rice for a proper Greek twist
If you’ve got fresh dill or oregano, throw that in too

Chuck a simple salad on the side, maybe some crusty bread to mop up those amazing lemony juices, and you’re sorted. It’s the kind of laid-back Mediterranean meal that makes you feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’re just at your kitchen table!

A Flavorful Mediterranean Dinner in One Pot

Chicken and Lemon Rice Recipe

This typical Greek Mediterranean diet chicken with lemon rice is a vibrant and colorful dish. The tender chicken, chickpeas, and spinach are complemented by zesty lemon and topped with feta cheese, creating a delightful and nutritious meal that’s ready in 30 minutes. It’s fiber-rich and protein-rich, ensuring you feel satisfied and energized.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup long-grain rice
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cook the Rice: In the same pot, add the rice and stir for a minute. Pour in the broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a boil.
Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pot, add chickpeas, grape tomatoes, and spinach. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer: Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired, and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your healthy Mediterranean meal!
My Tip: I like to cook the chicken through first then slice it up later and put on the top rather than cooking altogether, but up to you!