Go Back

Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowl

Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowls combine seasoned chicken, lemon rice, fresh tomato cucumber salad, and creamy tzatziki.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean, Greek

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Rice

  • 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano divided
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoons salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 1 white onion chopped
  • 1 cup long grain rice basmati or jasmine also works
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 medium lemon zest and juice

Chopped Greek Salad

  • 2 medium tomatoes
  • ½ cucumber
  • ½ red onion
  • ounces feta cheese

Quick Tzatziki

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber cubed
  • ½ clove garlic crushed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill finely chopped
  • Juice of ½ lemon optional

Optional for Serving

  • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 pita breads
  • Extra lemon segments

Instructions
 

  • Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
  • In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Sprinkle half the seasoning mixture over the chicken. Turn the chicken pieces and coat them with the remaining seasoning.
  • Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add the chicken and brown for a few minutes on each side until golden. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  • In a jug or bowl, mix the chicken broth with the remaining oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan and sauté the chopped onion for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Stir in the uncooked rice and cook for about a minute so the rice absorbs the flavor.
  • Pour the broth mixture over the rice and stir gently.
  • Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the rice. Cover with a lid.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked.
  • While the chicken and rice cook, prepare the salad by chopping the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese into small pieces and mixing them together.
  • For the tzatziki sauce, mix the Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl until smooth.
  • Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork around the chicken and sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Assemble the Easy Greek Chicken and Rice Bowl by adding rice and chicken to bowls, topping with salad and tzatziki.
  • Serve with warm pita bread and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Brown rice or quinoa can be used instead of white rice.