Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice
Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice, known as 'Kotopoulo me Lemoni kai Rizi', is a comforting one-pot meal where chicken is simmered with rice in a bright, lemony broth. The dish typically features chicken pieces, long-grain rice, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like oregano, often with vegetables like carrots or peas added for color and nutrition. It's a staple of home-style Greek cooking, emphasizing simple, fresh ingredients that meld into a flavorful, cohesive dish.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a balanced meal, providing a good mix of protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and moderate fat. It's a solid source of B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus from the chicken, along with vitamin C from the generous lemon juice. A typical serving generally ranges from 400 to 550 calories, depending on the cut of chicken and amount of oil used.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
| Potassium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 10 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Selenium | 25 mcg |
| Zinc | 3 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
Per 1 typical serving (approx. 350 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The dish beautifully embodies the Greek culinary philosophy of using acid, particularly lemon, to brighten and balance flavors, a technique also seen in avgolemono soup. Nutritionally, the high vitamin C from the lemon can enhance the absorption of iron from the chicken and any added vegetables, making it a thoughtfully constructed meal.
