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Weeknight • Chicken

Mediterranean Chicken & Rice

A flavorful one-pan meal with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant Mediterranean-inspired vegetables.

Prep
15 min
Cook
35 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this incredibly easy one-pan chicken and rice dish! Marinated chicken cooks alongside fluffy rice and colorful vegetables, all infused with bright, zesty flavors. It's a wholesome, satisfying meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight rotation. Get ready for a burst of sunshine in every bite!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

For the Chicken & Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

For the Rice & Veggies

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Feta cheese crumbles, for serving (optional)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a medium bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat and let marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep other ingredients, or up to 30 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned (it doesn't need to be cooked through). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

  3. Step 3

    Add rinsed rice, chicken broth, red onion, bell pepper, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Bring to a boil, stirring gently. Return the chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them among the rice and vegetables.

  4. Step 4

    Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If your skillet isn't oven-safe, you can transfer to a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for the same amount of time.

  5. Step 5

    Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot, topped with feta cheese crumbles if desired.

Tips

  • For a more vibrant dish, add a handful of spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice; it helps prevent stickiness and ensures fluffier grains.
  • If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, simply transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and cover tightly with foil.

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