If you’re craving a vibrant meal that bursts with flavor yet keeps things delightfully simple, you have to try this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe. It’s a cozy, wholesome dish that brings together tender, juicy chicken and fluffy, fragrant rice, all infused with a heady mix of Mediterranean spices. With just one pan to clean up afterward and a step-by-step approach anyone can follow, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner to impress your family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe lies in its straightforward, yet deeply flavorful ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to add layers of taste, texture, and color that make the final dish shine.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Adds herbal brightness and a subtle earthiness to balance richer spices.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Brings that classic Mediterranean aroma and a slightly peppery touch.
- Ground black pepper (1 tsp): Offers warmth and a mild kick that enhances overall flavor.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Provides a nutty, smoky base that deepens the dish’s character.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): A quick burst of garlicky goodness that complements the fresh garlic in the recipe.
- Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning and highlighting the natural flavors.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a sweet smokiness and an inviting red hue.
- Turmeric powder (1/2 tsp): Delivers earthiness along with a beautiful golden color.
- Chicken breasts (2, sliced): The star protein, sliced for quick cooking and perfect bites.
- Lemon juice (2 tsp + 1 tsp): Injects fresh acidity that brightens every bite.
- Olive oil (4 tsp): Offers richness and helps in achieving that lovely sauté on ingredients.
- Onion (1, finely chopped): Forms a sweet, savory foundation for the rice base.
- Garlic (1 tsp, finely chopped): Infuses warmth and depth with every stir.
- Rice (1 cup, soaked): The tender, fluffy partner to the chicken—soaking helps it cook evenly.
- Chicken broth (2 1/4 cups, low sodium preferred): Adds moist cooking liquid and savory richness.
- Bay leaf (1): Imparts subtle aromatic notes that elevate the rice.
- Cinnamon stick (1 inch): Introduces a hint of warm, sweet spice that’s unexpectedly delightful.
- Frozen peas (1/2 cup): For a pop of color and mild sweetness to brighten the dish.
How to Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the seasoning blend
Start by mixing together dried thyme, oregano, ground black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder in a small bowl. This seasoning is the heart and soul of your dish, packing every bite with that signature Mediterranean flair.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Slice your chicken breasts into four pieces or pound them gently to an even thickness. In a separate bowl, rub the chicken with 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix, lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Let the flavors mingle by marinating the chicken for 30 minutes—this step will ensure tender, flavorful meat every time.
Step 3: Prep the rice and aromatics
Rinse the rice thoroughly 2 to 3 times, then soak it in water for 30 minutes to achieve that perfect fluffy texture during cooking. Meanwhile, finely chop your onion and garlic so they are ready to sizzle in the pan.
Step 4: Brown the chicken
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage—just get a nice golden crust, then remove and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté the onion and garlic
In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds a wonderfully aromatic base for the rice.
Step 6: Toast the rice with seasoning
Drain the soaked rice well and add it to the pan along with 4 teaspoons of the seasoning blend. Stir constantly for about one minute, to lightly toast the rice and lock in those spices. This step makes every grain flavorful and vibrant.
Step 7: Add broth, spices, and lemon
Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Use a wooden spoon to gently scrape any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan, as these add that extra depth of flavor.
Step 8: Simmer with chicken and peas
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pan and scatter the frozen peas on top. Cover the pan tightly and let everything cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the rice has absorbed the broth and the chicken is perfectly cooked through.
Step 9: Rest and fluff
Once the cooking is complete, keep the pan covered for 10 more minutes off the heat. This allows the flavors to settle beautifully. Finally, fluff the rice with a fork, remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and get ready to serve.
How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves adds vibrant green color and a touch of brightness that complements the savory spices perfectly. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad to add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe straight from the pan family-style for a casual, comforting vibe. Or, for a special occasion, plate it beautifully with some crumbled feta and olives scattered on top to enhance the Mediterranean feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the portion and cover loosely to keep the moisture in, then warm gently in a microwave or stovetop until heated through. This helps to revive the fluffy texture of the rice and keeps the chicken juicy.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a healthier alternative but requires a longer cooking time and more broth. You might want to partially cook the brown rice beforehand or increase the liquid for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe is perfect for meal prepping since it stores well and tastes just as good reheated. It makes weekday meals easier and delicious.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs offer even more flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth or a simple mix of water with a bouillon cube can work fine. Just keep an eye on seasoning since broths vary in saltiness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! This recipe focuses on warm, aromatic spices with no heat. If you like a bit of spice, you could add some crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t recommend the One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe enough—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining loved ones, it delivers bold flavor without unnecessary fuss. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation too!
Print
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines aromatic herbs and spices with tender chicken breast and fluffy rice. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, the recipe uses a single pan for minimal cleanup and maximizes Mediterranean-inspired flavors with herbs like oregano and thyme, as well as fragrant spices such as cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. The dish is garnished with fresh coriander and served with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced to give 4 pieces)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 4 tsp of prepared seasoning (from above)
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Garnish
- Fresh coriander leaves
Instructions
- Make the seasoning: In a small mixing bowl, combine dried thyme, dried oregano, ground black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder. Set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half to obtain 4 pieces or pound them thin. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
- Marinate the chicken: Add 2 teaspoons of the prepared seasoning, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the chicken. Rub the marinade gently on both sides of the chicken pieces and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the rice 2-3 times with water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Chop aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic and keep aside.
- Heat oil in the pan: Place a heavy-bottom pan on medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
- Pan-fry chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot pan and fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side. The chicken does not have to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté onions: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook garlic: Add chopped garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add rice and seasoning: Add the drained rice and 4 teaspoons of the prepared seasoning to the pan. Stir and sauté the rice with the spices for 1 minute to infuse flavors.
- Add broth and spices: Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Gently scrape the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful bits stuck.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary.
- Bring to a boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
- Add peas and chicken: Add frozen peas to the broth. Place the partially cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Simmer covered: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest the dish: Once cooked, turn off the heat and keep the pan covered for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and rice to fluff.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken and rice hot with a side salad of your choice.
Notes
- Soaking the rice for 30 minutes improves its texture and reduces cooking time.
- Marinating the chicken allows the spices to deeply flavor the meat and tenderize it.
- Using low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- For a vegetarian adaptation, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
- Resting the dish after cooking ensures the rice is fully fluffy and the flavors blend well.
- If desired, add chopped coriander or parsley for extra fresh flavor before serving.
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