Description
This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a simple, flavorful one-dish meal combining tender marinated chicken, aromatic lemon, and fluffy rice cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Enhanced with garlic, oregano, and fresh parsley, and topped with tangy feta cheese, it’s a wholesome, Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for busy weeknights or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken chunks with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the rice and other ingredients.
- Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a 7-inch or 8-inch air fryer-safe baking dish, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, low-sodium chicken broth, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Evenly arrange the marinated chicken pieces over the rice mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to ensure even cooking and moisture retention.
- Preheat Air Fryer and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the covered baking dish into the air fryer basket and cook for 25 minutes. This initial covered cooking allows the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to begin cooking evenly.
- Finish Cooking Uncovered: After 25 minutes, remove the foil and cook the dish for an additional 10 to 12 minutes uncovered. This step ensures the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a slight golden color while the rice finishes tenderizing.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute. Immediately before serving, top with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Serve: Serve warm accompanied by lemon wedges to add an extra zesty flair at the table.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber; however, increase the broth quantity slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
