Description
This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a flavorful, easy one-pan meal combining juicy, marinated chicken thighs with perfectly cooked lemon-infused rice. Prepared in the air fryer, this dish delivers tender chicken with crispy skin and tender, aromatic rice—ideal for a quick and healthy Greek-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Rice and Garnish
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this flavorful mixture thoroughly over the chicken thighs to evenly coat them. If time allows, let the chicken marinate for 15 to 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: In an air fryer-safe baking dish, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice with the chicken broth. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top of the rice with the skin side facing up to ensure crispiness. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken and Rice: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the covered baking dish into the air fryer basket. Cook for 30 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to start cooking thoroughly. Then, remove the foil and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken skin turns golden brown, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, let the dish rest for 5 minutes to settle the juices and finish cooking gently. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and rice, and garnish with lemon slices to add a fresh, vibrant touch before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use basmati or jasmine rice which cooks well with this method.
- Feel free to add chopped vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers for a complete one-pan meal.
- If substituting boneless chicken thighs, reduce the cooking time by approximately 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
