Let’s talk about One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, a dish so good, it practically sings a siren song of deliciousness. Imagine succulent chicken, tender rice, bursting with the vibrant flavors of sun-drenched Mediterranean herbs. It’s a symphony of taste, a culinary masterpiece you can create with minimal effort. This isn’t your grandma’s chicken and rice, oh no. This is an adventure for your taste buds.
This recipe, my friends, is a lifesaver. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-pan wonder that requires less clean-up. It’s a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to impress your friends and family—and maybe even yourself.
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice boasts several delightful features:
It’s unbelievably easy to prepare, requiring minimal chopping and fuss.
The flavor profile is intensely satisfying, a fragrant explosion of Mediterranean sunshine.
Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, just as delicious to look at as it is to eat.
It’s incredibly versatile; add your favorite vegetables, change up the herbs—the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients for One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the onion and garlic finely. Rinse the rice under cold water.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken (optional, but recommended)
In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the chopped garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer if time allows). This step is optional, but it makes a world of difference.
Step 3: Assemble the dish
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the remaining garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Step 4: Add the chicken and broth
Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the rice and onion mixture. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the rice is mostly submerged. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Bake to perfection
Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve hot, and enjoy every delicious bite. A simple side salad would complement this dish beautifully.
Tips and Variations for One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
This recipe is your culinary canvas. Feel free to experiment! Add some chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts, beef, lamb, or turkey. Just adjust cooking times accordingly. Remember, cooking is an adventure, so don’t be afraid to get creative.
Recipe Card for One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
(This section would contain a printable recipe card with precise measurements and detailed instructions. Due to the limitations of this text-based format, a visual recipe card cannot be included here)
Enjoy your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out! I’d love to hear from you.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
For optimal One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, sear the chicken first to lock in juices. Then, add the rice and broth, bringing it to a simmer before covering and baking until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is tender. This ensures perfectly cooked chicken and fluffy rice.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment! Swap chicken for beef or lamb. Add different vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Spice things up with extra herbs like oregano or thyme, or use lemon juice instead of broth for a brighter flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent dryness.
Prepare your chicken pieces by patting them completely dry before searing. This will help achieve a beautiful golden brown crust.
Don’t overcrowd the pan! Ensure your chicken and vegetables have enough space to cook evenly, preventing steaming instead of searing.
Taste and adjust seasonings at the end. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon can elevate your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice to another level.
My aunt once raved about this dish, calling it the “best weeknight meal ever”. It’s truly a family favorite, simple yet impressive.
Conclusion for One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights. It’s simple to make, incredibly flavorful, and requires minimal cleanup – a huge plus in my book! The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, the meal-prep friendly nature makes it perfect for those who want to save time during the week. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this amazing recipe a try. You won’t regret it!
Print
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Delicious one pan mediterranean chicken and rice recipe with detailed instructions and nutritional information.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large, oven-safe skillet or roasting pan.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Step 4: Stir in rice, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the rice mixture.
- Step 5: Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir in Kalamata olives during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- Step 6: Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to maintain moisture.
- Serve this hearty dish with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end or using a mix of fresh herbs instead of dried.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
FAQs
Can I make this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. You can assemble the entire dish the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to bake it, just add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. The flavors will actually meld beautifully overnight, resulting in an even more delicious meal. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking. You’ll be thanking your past self for this time-saver!
What can I substitute for the chicken in this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe?
Feeling adventurous? Swap the chicken for succulent lamb, lean beef, or even turkey! The Mediterranean flavors will complement any of these proteins beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the type of meat you use. Beef, for example, might need a longer cooking time to achieve the same level of tenderness as chicken. Experiment and find your favorite protein pairing!
Is this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! We’re using simple ingredients, avoiding any sneaky gluten-containing additions. However, always double-check the labels of your individual ingredients to ensure they align with your dietary needs. Many spices and seasonings can be processed in facilities that also handle gluten, so always check the labels just to be sure.
How can I make this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe even healthier?
Want to boost the health factor? Go ahead and load up on the veggies! Add extra chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. The more colorful the better! You can also use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients. And don’t be shy with the herbs and spices; they add tons of flavor without adding any extra calories. Remember, a healthier One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is still a delicious One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice!
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