Name: Fluffy and Delicious Yellow Greek Rice
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons Butter (unsalted); 1 cup Long-grain white rice; 2 cups Chicken broth; 2 teaspoons Parsley (minced); 1 teaspoon Garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon Onion powder; ½ teaspoon Paprika; ½ teaspoon Salt; ¼ teaspoon Black pepper

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Greek rice is a fragrant, fluffy yellow rice simmered with fresh herbs and spices. Serve this long grain rice with your favorite Mediterranean dishes for a flavorful meal.

Want to try more delicious rice recipes? Check out my Filipino Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag), Cheddar Broccoli Rice Casserole, and Stovetop White Rice next.

a small bowl of yellow Greek rice with a large pot containing more in the background

Switch up your regular side dish routine and opt for Greek yellow rice instead! It’s a quick and easy way to spice up your rice with ingredients you already have.

overhead view of a bowl of yellow greek rice next to a fork, scattered herbs, and a pot containing more

Why you will love Yellow Greek Rice:

Simple! You can make this rice dish within 10 minutes, with a simple stir and simmer.

Flavorful! The rice is cooked with aromatic herbs and spices in chicken broth, infusing each grain with a rich and savory taste.

Restaurant Quality! This recipe tastes like takeout from your favorite Greek restaurant. Serve chicken souvlaki or meatballs over a bed of easy Greek rice.

bowl of yellow Greek rice with a pot containing more in the background

Ingredients for Greek Rice Recipe

To make chicken and yellow rice, you will need the following ingredients:

Butter: This not only adds flavor but also coats the grains so they don’t clump together.
Long-grain white rice: You can use either jasmine rice or basmati rice.
Chicken broth: This adds a mouthwatering chicken flavor that tastes so much better than plain water. If you want to keep this recipe vegetarian, opt for vegetable broth instead.
Fresh Parsley: Minced has a bright, earthy taste that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds fresh, savory flavor.
Spices and Seasoning: Ground turmeric gives the rice that vibrant yellow color. Also use onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make Greek Rice

Add rice to a saucepan then rinse it with cold water until the water runs clear, and is no longer murky (about 2-3 times). Once the water runs clear, pour chicken broth over the rice.

Then add in the minced parsley, garlic, turmeric, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir the rice until all of the seasonings and herbs are fully incorporated. Then place the saucepan on the stove and bring it to a light boil over medium high heat (about 2 minutes).

Once the rice is boiling, turn the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice simmer over low heat for about 7-10 minutes. Once all of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pan from the heat.

Then uncover the pot and fluff the yellow rice with a fork. Serve right away, and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Remember to thoroughly rinse the rice to remove excess starch.
This recipe works with brown rice too but it takes longer to cook.
Add a zesty quality to the dish by adding fresh lemon juice. It brightens the overall taste and makes this Greek lemon rice.
You can swap the parsley for another herb like fresh dill or oregano.
For depth of flavor, toast the ingredients in butter or olive oil before adding the liquid, to make rice pilaf.
Once the rice has cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in the microwave until warmed through.

Greek yellow rice in a bowl with meatballs and tzatziki sauce

FAQ

The traditional Greek dish includes long grain rice, onions, fresh herbs, and lemon (lemon juice/lemon zest), but variations incorporate ingredients such as garlic, saffron, turmeric, spinach, and tomatoes.

Long grain white rice is commonly eaten in Greece. Spanakorizo and pilaf are two popular rice dishes.

Rice is typically prepared by boiling rice in water, whereas pilaf is sauteed rice that is then cooked in broth or stock with added aromatics. The latter has a richer flavor.

overhead view of a bowl of yellow greek rice next to a spoon, scattered herbs, and a pot containing more

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