Description
This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a flavorful and satisfying one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with zesty lemon flavors and aromatic herbs, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley, adding a Mediterranean touch to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (rinsed)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).
- Air Fry: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. In a 7–8 inch air fryer-safe baking dish, combine rinsed rice, chicken broth, red onion, and bell pepper. Place marinated chicken on top. Cover tightly with foil. Air fry at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil, stir rice, and continue cooking uncovered for 8–10 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Top with olives and feta. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges before serving.
Notes
- For crispier chicken, broil separately after baking.
- Add spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.
- Works well with skin-on chicken drumsticks or thighs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
