If you’re craving a vibrant, comforting dinner that bursts with fresh flavors and comes together in a single pan, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese for an irresistible midweek meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. The balance of herbs and spices along with the colorful ingredients makes every bite exciting and satisfying, turning a simple skillet dish into a Mediterranean feast you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating the magic of this dish. Each one plays a critical role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe so memorable.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier, more flavorful results or breasts for a leaner option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A staple Mediterranean fat that adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed gently.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides that signature warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base for absorbing all the savory flavors of the skillet.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with savory, comforting liquid.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: A salty, briny kick that instantly transports you to the Mediterranean coast.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Classic herb that brings that unmistakable Mediterranean aroma.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and warmth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance flavors.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect finishing touch.
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish: Bright herbs that elevate freshness and add a beautiful pop of color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken chunks generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. This simple blend infuses each bite with that classic Mediterranean flavor and enhances the natural taste of the meat perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they’re golden brown on the outside but not fully cooked inside—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the chicken builds a beautiful flavor base for the entire dish. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they become translucent and sweet. Then add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The combination of softened onions and fragrant garlic creates a savory backbone for your rice and chicken.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Now it’s time to add the rice to the skillet. Stir the rice for 1 to 2 minutes to toast it slightly. This step boosts the rice’s nuttiness and helps it stay fluffy after cooking, preventing it from sticking together.
Step 5: Add Broth and Combine Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet and toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. These juicy and savory additions give the dish wonderful bursts of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Simmer and Cook Through
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the whole mix simmer undisturbed for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. This slow simmer melds all the ingredients into a beautifully cohesive meal filled with rich, vibrant tastes.
Step 7: Finish with Feta and Fresh Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill over the top. Cover it again and let it rest for 5 minutes—this gives the cheese a chance to soften and the herbs to release their aroma, making your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe even more irresistible.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or dill always brighten up this dish, adding a gentle herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the salty feta and olives. Adding lemon wedges on the side lets you add a zesty finish to your plate, enhancing the overall freshness.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple side salads, like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or a light, garlicky green salad. For heartier options, warm pita bread or roasted vegetables work perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try plating the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe in colorful bowls or rustic plates for that Mediterranean vibe. A sprinkle of extra feta, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, and some freshly cracked black pepper right before serving can elevate the presentation to restaurant-level charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any extra Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick lunches or dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and keep them frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water will help keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out, ensuring every bite remains tender and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more chewiness, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Adjust the broth quantity and simmering time accordingly to get the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The olives, tomatoes, and feta still provide plenty of rich Mediterranean flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, such as chopping veggies and seasoning chicken, but cooking is best done fresh for optimal flavor and texture. However, leftovers store beautifully as noted above.
What kind of olives work best for this recipe?
Kalamata olives are the classic Mediterranean choice here because of their robust, tangy flavor. If you don’t have them, green olives or other black olives with a briny profile can also work.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Searing the chicken just until browned, rather than fully cooked, and then simmering it gently with the rice allows it to finish cooking while staying juicy and tender. Covering the skillet during simmering also helps retain moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe really is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly yet deliver impressive flavor and comfort. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite that brings a little Mediterranean sunshine right to your table.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal combining tender chicken with aromatic rice, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. Infused with classic herbs and spices, this dish brings vibrant Mediterranean tastes to your dinner table in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein & Meat
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Pantry Items
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, season the chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to infuse the flavors.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast the rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice, cooking it for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains and boost their nutty flavor.
- Add liquids and ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and add the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, stirring to combine.
- Simmer to cook: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, cooked through, and the liquid has been absorbed fully.
- Finish and rest: Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill over the top. Cover again and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes during seasoning.
- Swap white rice for brown rice, but increase cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, garnish with fresh dill instead of parsley to highlight Mediterranean flavors.
