If you’re searching for a recipe that delivers brightness, comfort, and Mediterranean flair with minimal fuss, this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is about to become your new obsession. It brings tender, juicy bites of chicken, fluffy lemon-infused rice, and creamy bursts of feta, all in one dish. Every forkful offers a satisfying medley of zesty citrus, herbs, and savory goodness. The best part? The air fryer does most of the work—leaving you with a rich, one-pan meal that tastes like it simmered away all afternoon, even though it’s ready in about an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is thoughtfully chosen for a reason! These pantry staples weave together to create hearty texture, vibrant color, and layers of bright flavor that are unmistakably Mediterranean.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces cut into chunks for quicker, more even cooking and juicy results.
- Jasmine or basmati rice: The fragrant, long-grain texture soaks up all the lemony, herby flavors while remaining fluffy.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory depth and ensures the bake stays moist.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a bright, zippy lift that makes every bite truly sing.
- Olive oil: Provides essential fat for marinating, ensuring juicy chicken and a luscious finish.
- Dried oregano: Contributes that classic Greek herbal aroma and flavor—don’t skip!
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, mellow garlic punch that permeates the whole dish.
- Onion powder: A subtle way to layer in earthy-sweet allium notes throughout the bake.
- Salt: Brings out all those Mediterranean flavors in harmony, so measure with a light hand.
- Black pepper: For just the right amount of warmth and complexity.
- Lemon zest: The secret to next-level citrus flavor; it perfumes the whole casserole.
- Red onion: Slices roast sweet and soft in the bake, adding both color and gentle bite.
- Feta cheese: Those tangy, creamy crumbles melt in for irresistible pockets of richness.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end for gorgeous green color and fresh, herby flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine your chopped chicken, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and plenty of lemon zest. Toss everything together well, making sure each piece is coated and glistening with herbaceous marinade. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes—this step infuses your chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors and keeps it juicy during air frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice Base
Grab a 7- to 8-inch oven-safe baking dish that fits your air fryer. Scatter your rinsed jasmine or basmati rice in the bottom, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the thinly sliced red onion for sweetness and color. Gently arrange the marinated chicken in an even layer over the top so everything cooks evenly.
Step 3: Bake in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish tightly with foil (this is key for trapping steam and cooking the rice through). Place the dish into your air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil—watch out for steam!—then continue cooking, uncovered, for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is perfectly tender.
Step 4: Add Feta and Finish
Sprinkle crumbled feta evenly over the bubbly casserole and return the pan to the air fryer for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese is starting to melt into creamy pockets of happiness. Let your Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake rest for about 5 minutes out of the basket; this helps all those beautiful flavors meld together.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley and, if you like, a few lemon wedges on the side. The result: a stunning, fragrant one-pan dinner that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.
How to Serve Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley brings vibrant color and grassy freshness, while extra crumbled feta or a few thin slivers of lemon zest can make each plate feel a little extra special. Lemon wedges on the side let everyone add an extra squeeze of brightness to their liking.
Side Dishes
Pair your Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake with a simple Greek salad of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion for extra crunch and color. Warm pita bread or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers also complement the bold Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dinner spread, scoop the bake into shallow bowls, add a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts. Or, pile generous portions onto serving platters over a bed of baby spinach for a wholesome, family-style meal that feels special enough for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they keep beautifully! Transfer cooled Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and satisfying in the fridge for up to three days, making weekday lunches a breeze.
Freezing
To freeze, pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. The rice and chicken both reheat well, especially if you let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Expect the flavors to deepen even further—a delicious surprise for your future self!
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat is in the microwave; sprinkle a little extra chicken broth or water over the top to keep things moist. For that freshly-baked feel, pop it back into the air fryer or oven for just a few minutes to fully re-crisp the edges and re-melt the feta.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both options work well in this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake. Breasts cook up lean and tender, while thighs offer extra juiciness—choose your favorite or mix both for the best of both worlds.
How do I prevent the rice from being undercooked?
The secret is covering the dish tightly with foil during the initial cook, which traps steam and ensures even cooking. Also, make sure to rinse your rice thoroughly so it absorbs liquid properly and cooks to a fluffy finish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the feta or swap it for a dairy-free feta-style alternative. The Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake will still be vibrant, hearty, and full of Mediterranean flavor.
What air fryer size do I need?
A basket-style or oven-style air fryer that can fit a 7- to 8-inch baking dish is ideal. If you have a smaller air fryer, try making a half batch or use a slightly smaller, deeper dish to avoid overflow.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even halved cherry tomatoes with the rice and onions. Their sweetness and color will make your Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake even more irresistibly wholesome.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that never fails to impress. It’s fresh, lively, and deeply comforting all at once—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo. Give it a try, and let its sunny, Mediterranean spirit brighten up your mealtime!
Print
Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is a delicious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, and tangy feta cheese. Perfectly seasoned with Greek-inspired spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (cut into large chunks)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice (rinsed)
- 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
Additional:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Rice: In an oven-safe baking dish, add rinsed rice and chicken broth. Stir in sliced red onion and place marinated chicken pieces on top.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Cover dish with foil and cook for 30 minutes. Remove foil and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle feta cheese over the top and return to air fryer for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use an air fryer that accommodates a baking dish.
- For extra flavor, add chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the rice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Greek-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
