Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Pilaf

Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Pilaf

This Mediterranean-inspired chicken and rice pilaf is vibrant, fragrant, and packed with citrusy herb flavor. Juicy chicken thighs are seared to golden perfection and simmered with aromatic rice, fresh herbs, and a touch of lemon for a light yet satisfying dish. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works just as well for weeknight dinners as it does for entertaining guests.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil

500g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Rice Pilaf:

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup long-grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)

2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Juice of 1 lemon

1/2 teaspoon turmeric (for color and mild flavor, optional)

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

1/4 cup slivered almonds or pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup chopped parsley or dill

1/3 cup crumbled feta

1/4 cup raisins or chopped dried apricots (for sweet contrast)

Instructions:

Marinate & Sear Chicken:

In a bowl, toss the chicken with oregano, thyme, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside (it doesn’t need to be cooked through).

Cook Aromatics & Toast Rice:

In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter.

Sauté onion for 3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.

Simmer:

Add the chicken broth, lemon juice, turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Return seared chicken to the pot on top of the rice.

Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked.

Rest & Fluff:

Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5–7 minutes.

Fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in toasted almonds, fresh herbs, and optional feta or dried fruit if using.

Serve:

Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Flavor Enhancements

Fresh Herbs: Add a handful of chopped parsley, mint, or dill just before serving for a fresh burst.

Lemon Upgrade: Add a bit of preserved lemon or lemon zest into the rice for an intensified citrusy aroma.

Protein Options

Chicken Thighs retain juiciness better, but chicken breasts are leaner and still flavorful when not overcooked.

Seafood Twist: Swap the chicken with shrimp or white fish; add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Vegetarian Version: Use chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Rice Notes

Basmati or Jasmine rice work best for fluffy pilaf-style texture.

For a nutty touch, toast the rice in a little olive oil before adding broth.

Add-Ins

Toss in spinach, chopped kale, or zucchini during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.

Add a Mediterranean touch with chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.

Q&A

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?

A: Yes! This dish holds up well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice.

Q: What can I serve with it?

A: It pairs beautifully with:

A crisp Greek cucumber salad

Tzatziki or hummus

Warm pita bread

Q: Can I use brown rice?

A: You can! But increase the broth to 2.5–2.75 cups and extend the cooking time to 35–40 minutes. Keep it tightly covered.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?

A: Yes — portion it out into airtight containers once cooled and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of water.

Nutrition

Based on olive oil, chicken thighs, almonds, and optional feta cheese included.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Pilaf is a vibrant one-pot meal that brings together comfort, flavor, and nutrition. The bright acidity of lemon, the depth of herbs, and the gentle spice blend create a satisfying dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether served on a busy weeknight or as part of a relaxed weekend dinner, it delivers a taste of the Mediterranean in every forkful.