Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes


Hello, dear friends! I hope this little corner of the internet finds you well. Today, I want to share a delightful recipe that has become one of my family’s favorites: Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes. It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort, just like a good hug on a chilly evening.



Why I Love This Recipe



You know how sometimes you want to serve a meal that’s not just tasty but also good for you? Well, this dish checks all the boxes! It’s filled with bright flavors from the lemon and fresh spinach, and it’s packed with protein and veggies. Even my grandkids, who can be just a tad picky, love it! It’s also very colorful, which makes it a feast for the eyes. When I prepare this, it’s like bringing a little bit of the Mediterranean right into our kitchen.



Cooking Together



I remember the first time I made this dish. My daughter came over to help, and we had such a blast chopping and mixing together. We chatted away while we prepared the ingredients, and before we knew it, the kitchen smelled wonderful. It’s special to share cooking moments like that, and I can see this becoming a tradition for the younger generations too.



Gather Your Ingredients



Here’s what you need to make this tasty Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice:




  • 4 chicken breasts

  • 1 cup rice

  • 2 cups chicken broth

  • 1 can (15 oz) of chickpeas, rinsed and drained

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • Olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste



How to Make It



Now, let’s dive into the kitchen together! Here’s how we make this wonderful meal:





  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, and season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once done, take them out and set them aside.




  2. Make the Rice: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for just a minute—oh, that smell! Then, add the rice, chicken broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring it to a boil, then cover it and let it simmer on low. This usually takes about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as you want the rice tender but not mushy.




  3. Add Chickpeas and Veggies: Once the rice is ready, stir in those chickpeas, chopped spinach, and the cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5 minutes so everything warms through. It’s the time to mix in the last touches and add a little more lemon juice if you like a tangy kick.




  4. Combine with Chicken: Finally, slice that lovely chicken and nestle it right on top of your rice mixture. Let it all cook together for a couple of minutes to warm everything up nicely.





Serving It Up



When I serve this meal, I like to pour everything onto a big platter so it looks beautiful. Sometimes I sprinkle a bit more fresh spinach on top for color. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of warm pita bread or a simple green salad.



Savor the Leftovers



If there happen to be any leftovers (which is rare at my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors seem to dance together even more overnight!



Tips for Making It Your Own



Feel free to adjust this recipe to your family’s taste! You can add more veggies if you’re feeling adventurous, or even toss in some feta cheese for that extra Greek flair. If you don’t have chicken, you could use shrimp or keep it vegetarian by adding more beans and colorful veggies.



Join Me in the Kitchen



I hope you try this Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice recipe soon. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for a family gathering or even just a cozy night in. Cooking together always brings a smile to my face, and I know it will for you and your loved ones, too. Happy cooking, my friends!

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