Authentic Greek Rice Pilaf Recipe

If you've ever attended a Greek festival or enjoyed dinner at a family-owned Greek restaurant, you've probably tasted Greek rice pilaf.

Light, fluffy rice combined with toasted orzo, rich butter, chicken broth, and fresh herbs has been a staple of Greek kitchens for generations. It's simple, comforting, and pairs beautifully with everything from grilled souvlaki to roasted lamb.

At Baba's Bakaliko, we created Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend to capture those traditional flavors in one easy-to-use seasoning. Whether you're serving a weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this recipe brings authentic Greek comfort food to your table.

Greek Rice Pilaf

🌿 Uses: Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend

⏱️ Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽️ Serves: 6

⭐ Difficulty: Easy

Why Greek Rice Pilaf Is Different

Unlike plain white rice, Greek rice pilaf begins by toasting orzo in butter and olive oil. This extra step gives the dish its signature nutty flavor and beautiful golden color.

The rice is then simmered in chicken broth with aromatic herbs and spices before being finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley.

The result is light, flavorful, and unmistakably Greek.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup orzo
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2¼ cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend
• Juice of ½ fresh lemon
• Fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Step 1

Heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the orzo and cook until golden brown, stirring frequently.

Step 3

Add the rice and stir for about one minute.

Step 4

Mix in 2 tablespoons of Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes.

Step 7

Remove from the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

Step 8

Finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

Perfect Pairings

This Greek rice pilaf is the perfect side dish for:

• Pork Souvlaki
• Chicken Souvlaki
• Lamb Chops
• Greek Meatballs (Keftedes)
• Grilled Shrimp
• Lemon Chicken
• Roasted Vegetables
• Greek Salad

Baba's Tip

The secret to authentic Greek rice isn't just the seasoning—it's patience.

Toast the orzo until it's a rich golden brown, let the rice rest after cooking, and always finish with fresh lemon juice. Those three simple steps make all the difference.

Why We Created Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend

Greek families have relied on these comforting flavors for generations.

We wanted to create a seasoning that could become the foundation for not only rice pilaf, but also orzo, chicken soup, avgolemono, stuffed vegetables, and countless other family recipes.

One bottle.

Dozens of authentic Greek meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without orzo?

Yes. Traditional Greek rice often includes orzo, but the recipe is still delicious using only long-grain rice.

Can I use vegetable broth?

Absolutely. Vegetable broth creates a wonderful vegetarian version.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. Refrigerate for up to four days and gently reheat with a splash of broth or water.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.

What protein goes best with Greek rice pilaf?

It's excellent with grilled chicken, pork, lamb, seafood, and roasted vegetables.

From Baba's Table

The best recipes are often the simplest.

Greek rice pilaf isn't meant to compete with the main course—it's meant to bring everything on the plate together. That's why you'll find it beside grilled meats at festivals, family dinners, and holiday tables throughout Greece.

From Baba's table to yours…

Kali Orexi!

Related Links

• Authentic Pork Souvlaki Recipe
• The Story Behind Baba's Greek Pilaf Blend
• Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe (your next recipe blog)
• Homemade Avgolemono Soup (future blog)
• The Original Bakaliko Box