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–+ servings
Easy lemon chicken thighs served with fluffy rice

Easy Lemon Chicken Thighs and Rice

A comforting meal with tender chicken thighs, fragrant rice, and a hint of lemon, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1½ pounds) Ensure skin is intact for better flavor and texture.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano Adjust to taste.
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil For frying the chicken.
  • 2 pieces lemons Juiced during cooking.
  • 1 cup pitted Castelvetrano or kalamata olives, smashed and roughly chopped Offers a briny richness.
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced Add depth of flavor.
  • 1 medium shallot or ½ medium onion, minced Use onion if shallots aren’t available.
  • 2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed Rinse to remove excess starch.
  • 4 cups chicken broth Use room temperature for best results.
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped, for serving Adds color and freshness.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
  • Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for about 7-10 minutes until golden brown.
  • Flip the chicken thighs over, then add the minced garlic and shallot (or onion) to the skillet.
  • Squeeze the juice from both lemons directly into the pan and stir in the chopped olives.
  • Pour in the rinsed rice and chicken broth, ensuring everything is well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
  • Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and let it sit covered for about 5 minutes.
  • Uncover the skillet, fluff the rice with a fork, and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a heavy skillet and allow the chicken to rest before serving to retain moisture. Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to avoid stickiness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g
Keyword chicken thighs, comfort food, easy dinner, Lemon Chicken, One-Pot Meal
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