Description
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken pieces cooked with aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and fluffy rice. This one-pot meal is perfect for a hearty dinner and brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet or pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and cumin. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the bell pepper and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rice and cook for about 1 minute. Then, add the drained diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the browned chicken to the skillet, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Finish the Dish: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 28g