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
Scale
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.
