Description
This bright, Mediterranean-style dish features juicy herb-marinated chicken served over fluffy lemon-infused rice with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs. It’s comforting yet fresh, naturally anti-inflammatory, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Marinate: 20 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
🍽 Servings
4
🛒 Ingredients
Chicken
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1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Zest & juice of 1 lemon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Lemon Rice
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1½ cups long-grain rice
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3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Juice of ½ lemon
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Zest of ½ lemon
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¼ cup chopped parsley or dill
Optional Garnish
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Crumbled feta cheese
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Sliced cucumbers
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Kalamata olives
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate Chicken
In bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest & juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate 20–60 minutes (optional).
2️⃣ Cook Chicken
Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest, then slice.
3️⃣ Make Lemon Rice
In saucepan, heat olive oil. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds. Add rice and toast 1 minute. Pour in broth, bring to boil, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until fluffy.
Stir in lemon juice, zest, and herbs.
4️⃣ Assemble
Serve sliced chicken over lemon rice. Garnish with feta, cucumbers, and olives if desired.
📝 Notes
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Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
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Fresh lemon zest makes the flavor pop.
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Rice can be replaced with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
💡 Tips
✔ Add grilled zucchini or tomatoes
✔ Use yogurt-garlic sauce for drizzle
✔ Double recipe for meal prep
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I bake the chicken?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — skip feta or use plant-based cheese.
Q: Is it freezer-friendly?
Chicken freezes well; rice best fresh.
🔢 WW Points (per serving)
Blue: 4 points
Green: 6 points
Purple: 3 points
🌿 Bonus: This meal is naturally anti-inflammatory thanks to olive oil, garlic, lemon, herbs, and lean protein.