Air fryer Greek lemon chicken and rice bake is a perfect one-pan dish that balances vibrant flavors with wholesome ingredients. It’s an ideal meal for any season, especially summer, and it simplifies cooking while delivering a delicious, satisfying meal.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs

• 1 cup rice

• 1 1/2 cups hot chicken stock

• 1 white onion

• 3 garlic cloves

• 1 tsp dried Greek oregano

• 1 lemon (zested and sliced)

• Small handful of dill (13g/half a bunch)

• Small handful of parsley (10g)

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 100g punnet olives

For the Yogurt Sauce:

• 1 cup yogurt

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Peel and thinly slice the onion and garlic. Place them in a metal roasting tray. Zest half the lemon and drizzle over olive oil. Toss to coat the onions and garlic and form a pile to help them cook evenly.

2. Cook the onions and garlic:

   • In the air fryer: Cook at 190°C for 5 minutes, stirring halfway.

   • In the oven: Cook at 190°C for 5 minutes, stirring halfway.

3. Once softened, add the rice, hot chicken stock, remaining lemon zest, and oregano. Stir well and place the tray back in the air fryer or oven to par-cook.

   • In the air fryer: Cook at 170°C for 12 minutes.

   • In the oven: Cook at 190°C for 10 minutes.

4. After par-cooking the rice, nestle the chicken thighs in an even layer on top of the rice. Slice the zested lemon and place it between the thighs.

5. Cook the chicken and rice:

   • In the air fryer: Cook at 170°C for 25-30 minutes, moving the chicken closer to the heating element for extra crispiness in the last 5 minutes.

   • In the oven: Cook at 190°C for 25-30 minutes.

6. While cooking, prepare the olive salsa by chopping the herbs and olives, mixing with olive oil.

7. Remove the chicken from the air fryer or oven and let it rest. Squeeze one lemon half into the olive salsa and the other into the rice. Season the yogurt with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve: Smear yogurt on a plate, top with rice and chicken, and finish with olive salsa. Enjoy!

Nutritional Value

Here is an approximate breakdown of the Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake per serving (assuming the recipe serves 4):

Chicken and Rice (1 serving)

• Calories: 500-600 kcal

• Protein: 35-40 grams

• Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams

• Fat: 25-30 grams

• Fiber: 3-4 grams

• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg

• Sodium: 700-900 mg

Yogurt Sauce (1 serving, about 2 tbsp)

• Calories: 30-40 kcal

• Protein: 2-3 grams

• Carbohydrates: 3-5 grams

• Fat: 1-2 grams

• Sodium: 20-40 mg

Olive Salsa (1 serving, about 2 tbsp)

• Calories: 40-50 kcal

• Fat: 5-6 grams

• Sodium: 100-150 mg

Total per Serving

• Calories: 570-690 kcal

• Protein: 37-43 grams

• Carbohydrates: 45-50 grams

• Fat: 31-38 grams

• Fiber: 4-5 grams

• Sodium: 820-1,100 mg

This dish provides a good amount of protein from the chicken and yogurt, healthy fats from olive oil, and fiber from the rice and herbs. The lemon and fresh herbs add a burst of flavor, while keeping the dish nutritious. Keep in mind that the exact nutritional content may vary based on portion sizes and specific ingredient brands used.

The Allure of Greek Lemon Chicken

Greek cuisine is known for its bold yet simple flavors, and lemon plays a starring role in many dishes. This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is no exception, using the bright, tangy flavor of lemon to elevate the taste of the chicken and rice. The chicken thighs are seasoned with dried Greek oregano and topped with lemon zest and fresh lemon slices, which add depth of flavor and moisture to the dish. Cooking the chicken thighs in the air fryer results in crispy skin and juicy meat, creating a mouthwatering contrast in texture.

Chicken thighs are often preferred in Mediterranean cooking due to their rich flavor and higher fat content compared to chicken breasts. The combination of the oregano and lemon provides an aromatic base for the chicken, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch. This dish makes the most of the inherent flavors in the chicken, allowing the herbs and lemon to shine through without overpowering the natural taste of the meat.

Rice: A Nutritious Base

Rice is the perfect accompaniment to the Greek Lemon Chicken, acting as a hearty and flavorful base for the meal. The rice is cooked with onions, garlic, chicken stock, and lemon zest, infusing it with savory flavors that complement the chicken. The addition of Greek oregano further enhances the rice’s flavor, making it a wonderful side dish that pairs perfectly with the tangy chicken.

Rice also provides a good source of carbohydrates, which offer a steady release of energy. The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole grains, and rice is an excellent option for a nutritious side. The flavor profile of the rice, infused with stock and zest, elevates the meal and makes it much more than just a simple carbohydrate base. It absorbs the lemony goodness from the chicken, making every bite a burst of delicious flavor.

Olive Salsa: The Perfect Topping

One of the highlights of this dish is the olive salsa, which adds a burst of freshness and color to the plate. The salsa is made by chopping fresh herbs, including dill and parsley, and mixing them with olives and olive oil. This simple yet flavorful topping brings a salty, herbaceous element to the dish, balancing out the richness of the chicken and rice.

Olives are a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, providing a robust, briny flavor that enhances the overall dish. They are also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. The combination of olives with fresh herbs like dill and parsley adds not only flavor but also an additional layer of nutrition to the meal. The olive salsa is a key element that brings the dish together, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken and rice.

Yogurt Sauce: A Creamy Complement

To tie everything together, a simple yogurt sauce is drizzled over the chicken and rice. The yogurt adds a creamy, cooling element that balances the warmth and tanginess of the lemon. Greek yogurt, in particular, is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, making it an ideal choice for this dish. The yogurt also provides additional protein and calcium, contributing to the overall nutritional value of the meal.

The yogurt sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper, enhancing its natural flavor without overpowering the dish. Its creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken skin and fluffy rice, providing a refreshing, smooth finish to each bite. The yogurt also has a slight tang that complements the lemon, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

A Versatile Meal for Any Season

While this dish is perfect for summer, thanks to its light yet satisfying components, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. The bright lemon flavor, combined with the herbs and yogurt, provides a refreshing and hearty meal that is not too heavy, making it ideal for both warmer weather and cooler months. The ability to make this dish in the air fryer adds convenience, especially for busy days when you want a meal that’s flavorful and requires minimal effort.

The one-pan nature of this meal also makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, as it cuts down on cleanup time. Everything can be cooked together in one tray, making it easy to prepare and serve. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, the Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a hassle-free option that still delivers on taste.

The Nutritional Profile of the Dish

This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake offers a well-rounded combination of nutrients, including protein from the chicken and yogurt, healthy fats from the olive oil and olives, and carbohydrates from the rice. The chicken thighs are a great source of lean protein, while the olives and olive oil provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The rice, a complex carbohydrate, gives you energy and fiber to keep you satisfied.

The addition of fresh herbs like parsley and dill adds antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that support your overall health. Lemons, with their high vitamin C content, help boost the immune system and provide a refreshing, tangy flavor. The yogurt sauce offers probiotics that contribute to gut health, rounding out the dish with both flavor and nutritional benefits.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

The Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a must-try for anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors. It combines the richness of chicken, the zest of lemon, and the heartiness of rice, with the added freshness of olive salsa and the creaminess of yogurt. The dish is packed with nutrients, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. It’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner.

This recipe not only provides a delicious meal but also helps you incorporate healthy ingredients into your diet. It’s a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine in the comfort of your own home, without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you use an air fryer or the oven, the result is the same—crispy, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked rice, all brought together by a tangy yogurt sauce and fresh olive salsa.

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a standout dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. The crispy chicken thighs, fragrant rice, and refreshing yogurt sauce come together to create a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. The olive salsa adds a burst of freshness, while the lemon and herbs bring everything together. This dish is easy to make, perfect for any season, and an excellent option for meal prepping. With its combination of delicious flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.