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One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half to obtain 4 pieces or pound them thin. Place the chicken pieces in a bowl.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Chop aromatics: Finely chop the onion and garlic and keep aside.
  6. Heat oil in the pan: Place a heavy-bottom pan on medium heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
  7. 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.
  8. Sauté onions: In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  9. Cook garlic: Add chopped garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Adjust seasoning: Taste the broth and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary.
  13. Bring to a boil: Allow the mixture to come to a boil.
  14. Add peas and chicken: Add frozen peas to the broth. Place the partially cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
  15. 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.
  16. 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.
  17. Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
  18. 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.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/one-pan-mediterranean-chicken-and-rice-recipe/