Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake Recipe

The Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake is one of those rare gems that tastes as bright and fresh as it looks. Imagine succulent, golden-crisp chicken nestled over perfectly cooked, lemony rice, all infused with herbs and a hint of Mediterranean flair. Every forkful bursts with tangy lemon and aromatic seasonings, while the air fryer helps you achieve dinner perfection in less than an hour. If you love bold flavors, easy clean-up, and that gorgeous lemon-herb aroma wafting through your kitchen, this soon-to-be favorite should definitely take center stage on your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s nothing fussy here—just straightforward staples that come together for a crave-worthy result. Each ingredient in this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake plays a part, whether it’s lending flavor, color, or that signature Greek vibe. Let’s see what makes this dish so special.

• Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ultra-juicy and develop a golden, crispy skin while staying tender underneath.
• Olive oil: Adds a Mediterranean richness and a silky finish to both the chicken and the rice.
• Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb brings earthy depth and that familiar herby aroma.
• Garlic powder: For a gentle, rounded garlic note that infuses both the chicken and the rice mixture.
• Onion powder: Adds sweet savoriness and helps build layers of flavor.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning through every bite—nothing bland about it!
• Black pepper: A little spice revs up the overall flavor balance.
• Long-grain white rice: Choose this for its fluffy, non-sticky texture, perfect for soaking up all the savory juices.
• Chicken broth: Deepens the flavor of the rice and keeps everything moist and satisfying.
• Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show—zippy, tangy, and so refreshing.
• Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemony aroma and color without adding extra liquid.
• Dried dill: Adds a fresh, grassy pop that’s simply Greek at heart.
• Paprika: A subtle touch of color and warm undertones that make everything look and taste inviting.
• Chopped red onion: For color, texture, and a sweet bite once cooked.
• Chopped fresh spinach (optional): If you want a bit of green and extra nutrition, this goes beautifully with the other ingredients.
• Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish: The final flourish—totally optional, but they add stunning visual appeal and a burst of freshness.

How to Make Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Massage this mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. This flavorful rub helps builds that irresistibly crispy, golden skin while locking in moisture, so don’t be shy with the seasoning!

Step 2: Mix the Rice Base

Grab a 7- to 8-inch oven-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket—this keeps everything contained and baking evenly. In the dish, combine the uncooked long-grain white rice, chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried dill, paprika, red onion, and spinach if you’re using it. Give everything a quick stir to make sure the rice is evenly moistened and coated with all those delicious flavors.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook

Now comes the fun part: nestle your seasoned chicken thighs right on top of the rice mixture, skin side up. This way, the juices drip down and flavor the rice below while the tops get beautifully crispy. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil—this traps in steam so the rice cooks through and the chicken stays juicy. Place the dish in your air fryer basket and cook for 30 minutes, letting the magic unfold.

Step 4: Crisp and Finish

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil (watch out for steam!), and slide the dish back into the air fryer. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. This last burst of uncovered heat crisps the chicken skin to golden perfection and lets any remaining liquid finish absorbing into the rice. Everything will be gorgeously golden with a tempting lemon-herb aroma filling your kitchen.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

When the chicken reaches 165°F and the rice is tender, it’s showtime! Give the finished Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake a generous scatter of bright parsley and some thin lemon slices. Let everyone dig in while everything is piping hot and full of flavor.

How to Serve Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake

Garnishes

Nothing brightens up a platter like a fresh pop of color and flavor. Pile on lemon slices for an extra hint of tang and a few sprigs of chopped parsley or dill for a garden-fresh finish. If you’re feeling extra festive, a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of feta cheese wouldn’t hurt either!

Side Dishes

This dish is a superstar on its own, but pairing your Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake with simple, vibrant sides takes it over the top. Try a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, roasted asparagus, or a bowl of cool tzatziki for creamy contrast. Warm pita bread or a handful of kalamata olives would also complement the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken and rice bake family-style in the baking dish—let everyone help themselves for an inviting, social meal. Or, for a dinner party twist, plate each chicken thigh individually with a tidy mound of lemony rice, finishing with a flourish of microgreens or a swirl of Greek yogurt. You could even tuck the leftovers into pita sandwiches for an exciting lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The rice and chicken can be kept together or separately—just be sure to cool everything to room temperature before storing to keep things fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Spoon both the chicken and rice into freezer-safe containers or zip bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to 2 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

For reheating, pop everything into a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat in one-minute bursts until warmed through. If you prefer, you can reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F, covered with foil to keep the chicken moist until hot, then uncover briefly to reclaim a little crispy skin action.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs or breasts instead?

Absolutely! Boneless thighs or even chicken breasts will reduce your cooking time by about 5–10 minutes. Just keep a close eye on them and check for doneness with a thermometer—the chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part for juicy, safe results.

What if my air fryer is too small for an oven-safe baking dish?

No worries, you can divide the recipe in half and bake it in a smaller dish or use individual ramekins for personal portions. Just check that the rice still gets plenty of liquid so it turns out fluffy and not dry.

Can I make Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake dairy-free or gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written! For dairy-free, simply skip any optional feta cheese garnishes, and you’re good to go—everything in the bake itself is friendly to both dietary needs.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can swap in long-grain brown rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add a bit more chicken broth since brown rice takes longer to cook. Check for doneness and tender grains before removing from the air fryer.

How can I make the lemon flavor even stronger?

For a super-bright, zesty flavor, add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice right at the end or squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the chicken and rice just before serving. You can also stir a bit more lemon zest into your rice mixture for every bite to pop with citrusy freshness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sharing a meal that feels both effortless and elevated, and I hope you’ll give this Air Fryer Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Bake a try! It’s a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want a comforting dinner that’s nourishing, full of Mediterranean flair, and incredibly easy to pull off. From busy weeknights to relaxed Sunday meals, let this dish become a favorite at your table too.

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