Picture yourself savoring a vibrant Mediterranean meal, where juicy chicken, fragrant spices, and hearty rice come together in perfect harmony. This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice dish is the epitome of comfort food with a global twist. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s brimming with bold flavors, bright colors, and wholesome ingredients, making it a perfect go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of the Mediterranean, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between ease and elegance. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, the rice absorbs all the delicious juices, and the vegetables add a touch of freshness that ties everything together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pan, saving time and minimizing cleanup.
• Bursting with Flavor: A delicious mix of Mediterranean spices makes every bite irresistible.
• Healthy and Hearty: Packed with protein, veggies, and rice, this dish is as nourishing as it is satisfying.
• Versatile: Customize the recipe with your favorite vegetables or spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on): 4 pieces
• Olive oil: 2 tbsp
• Onion, finely chopped: 1 medium
• Garlic cloves, minced: 3
• Chicken broth: 2 cups
• Long-grain white rice: 1 cup
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: 1 cup
• Bell peppers, diced: 1 medium (any color)
• Paprika: 1 tsp
• Ground cumin: 1 tsp
• Turmeric: ½ tsp
• Oregano (dried): 1 tsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: ½ tsp
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): 2 tbsp, chopped

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

3. Build the Base
Add the rice to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the flavorful drippings. Sprinkle in turmeric, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Add Vegetables and Broth
Layer the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers on top of the rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.

5. Nestle the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs back into the pot, skin-side up. The chicken should sit on top of the rice and vegetables, allowing the skin to stay crisp.

6. Cook Until Perfect
Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer gently for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy this vibrant dish straight from the skillet for an easy, family-style presentation.

Helpful Tips

• Even Cooking: Use chicken thighs of similar size to ensure even cooking.
• Rice Selection: Long-grain white rice is ideal for a fluffy texture, but basmati rice also works well.
• Crispier Skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, broil the dish for 2–3 minutes after cooking.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main Course
• Method: One-pot, stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten-free

Notes

• Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini or olives for added flavor and texture.
• Adjust the spice level to your taste by adding a pinch of red chili flakes.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts work well, but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid drying them out.

Q: What vegetables can I add?
You can mix in zucchini, spinach, or even artichoke hearts to enhance the Mediterranean flair.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

Related Recipes

If you loved this recipe, be sure to try these other Mediterranean-inspired dishes:

• Healthy Greek Chicken Bowls: A Mediterranean Delight
• Dump-and-Bake Chicken Tzatziki Casserole
• One-Pot Chicken Orzo

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a recipe that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table in a single pot. It’s vibrant, hearty, and packed with the fresh, aromatic flavors that make this region’s food so beloved. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Try it out, and let the Mediterranean sunshine brighten your dinner tonight.

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