One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice

One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a delightful dish that brings together the bright flavors of the Mediterranean. It’s easy to make and requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in just one pan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a relaxing weekend meal. The combination of spices, tender chicken, and fluffy rice makes it a comforting choice for any occasion.

How to make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 chicken breasts (sliced into 4 pieces)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 4 tsp of the seasoning mix (from above)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes)
• 2 and 1/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Directions

1. First, prepare the seasoning mix. Combine thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder in a small bowl.
2. In another bowl, marinate the chicken slices with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken pieces.
3. In a large pan, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and sear both sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
6. Stir in the soaked rice and mix well to coat it with the spices.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and bring everything to a boil.
8. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
9. Once cooked, add the frozen peas and stir gently. Let it cook for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

How to serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Serve this hearty dish hot from the pan. You can garnish it with some fresh herbs or lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor. This meal pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread.

How to store One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips to make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

• Make sure to rinse and soak the rice beforehand to achieve fluffy results.
• Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preference.
• Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach can boost the nutrition and flavor of the dish.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by using different proteins such as shrimp or chickpeas. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and use more veggies along with vegetable broth instead!

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Adjust the broth and cooking duration accordingly.

2. Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or water if you prefer a lighter flavor.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! It can be prepared a day ahead and reheated before serving. It can even taste better as the flavors meld together.

One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

A delightful dish that combines bright Mediterranean flavors, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup, perfect for casual weeknight dinners or relaxing weekends.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the seasoning mix

• 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

Main ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breasts (sliced into 4 pieces)
• 2 tsp lemon juice for marinating chicken
• 2 tsp olive oil for marinating chicken
• 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes) to achieve fluffy results
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 1 piece onion (finely chopped) for sautéing
• 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped) for sautéing

Method

 

Preparation

1. Combine thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder in a small bowl to prepare the seasoning mix.
2. Marinate chicken slices with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of olive oil in another bowl. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken pieces.

Cooking

1. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until golden brown.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Place the marinated chicken in the pan and sear both sides for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
4. Stir in the soaked rice and mix well to coat it with the spices.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick, and bring everything to a boil.
6. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
7. Once cooked, add the frozen peas and stir gently. Let it cook for another 2 minutes before removing from heat.

Notes

Serve hot from the pan, garnished with fresh herbs or lemon wedges. Pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread. To store leftovers, cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Adjust spices to taste and consider adding more vegetables for nutritional benefits.