If there’s one weeknight dinner that ticks all the boxes—bright, flavorful, satisfying, and delightfully unfussy—it’s the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet. This color-packed, one-pan wonder layers tender chicken, aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy pops of feta into fluffy rice, all in under 40 minutes. Families and friends alike are always wowed by how restaurant-worthy it tastes, yet it’s beautifully simple to pull off. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just craving a fresher spin on chicken and rice, this recipe never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet comes from the harmony of a few humble ingredients. Every single one plays an important role—from imparting flavor to adding texture or color—so don’t skip out on the finishing touches!
- Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Chicken thighs offer juiciness, but breasts work wonders if you prefer them—either way, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking; use good quality extra virgin for a richer, fruitier base flavor.
- Dried Oregano: Earthy, aromatic oregano infuses the chicken with that telltale Mediterranean warmth.
- Paprika: Gives the skillet a tinge of smokiness and inviting color.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer—taste as you go!
- Long-Grain White or Jasmine Rice: Choose jasmine for fragrant grains, or your favorite long-grain white rice for classic fluffiness.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: This forms the backdrop to every bite, infusing flavor into the rice as it cooks.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add juicy bursts of acidity and color—halve them so their juices meld into the skillet.
- Kalamata Olives: Briny, assertive olives are the secret to that classic Mediterranean tang.
- Feta Cheese: Sprinkle over at the end for creamy, salty decadence—absolutely not optional!
- Red Onion: Finely chop to deliver pops of sweetness without overpowering the skillet.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: This lifts all the flavors and balances the richness—don’t hold back.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a fresh, verdant finish and a pretty pop of color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss your chicken pieces with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then add them to the hot skillet. Let them sizzle away, stirring occasionally, until they’re gorgeously golden and just about cooked through—usually 5 to 7 minutes. This crucial first step builds the foundation of flavor for your entire Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice directly to the skillet with the chicken. Give everything a good stir so the rice gets coated in the herby, savory oils left from the chicken. This tiny extra step gives the rice a lightly nutty flavor and helps the grains stay separate once cooked.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let it simmer undisturbed for about 18 to 20 minutes. The rice will absorb the rich broth and all those flavors you’ve built up in the skillet, leaving you with tender, fluffy grains.
Step 4: Add the Veggies and Lemon
Once the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, uncover your skillet and stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Let these ingredients warm through—just 2 minutes—so their flavors meld without overcooking and losing their brightness.
Step 5: Finish with Feta and Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and scatter crumbled feta cheese generously over everything. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and a hint of herbal freshness. Serve your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet piping hot and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Garnishes
For a restaurant-quality finish, always opt for a generous sprinkle of additional feta and parsley. A few extra Kalamata olives or a final drizzle of good olive oil really turn every plate into an eye-catching feast. If you love big, bold flavors, try serving with lemon wedges—guests can add a last squeeze for even more zing.
Side Dishes
The Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is hearty on its own, but pairs beautifully with a simple Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a basket of warm, chewy pita bread. You might also love a side of garlicky tzatziki or a crisp cucumber-yogurt salad to cool off the palate and add some texture variety.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving the skillet meal straight from the pan—it always has guests leaning in for seconds! For family-style fun, spoon it into a large shallow serving bowl and shower with extra herbs and feta. Or, for a more polished plate, fill individual bowls and top each with artful swoops of yogurt and a flurry of lemon zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers keep beautifully! Let the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, knowing the flavors often deepen and meld the longer it sits.
Freezing
This skillet is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Once cooled, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture in both the chicken and rice.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of extra chicken broth or water if the rice has absorbed too much liquid. To refresh the flavors, finish with an extra squeeze of lemon and a crumbling of fresh feta before serving.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice in this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet?
Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice needs additional liquid and a longer simmering time. Plan on adding about 1/2 cup more broth and simmering for up to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply swap the chicken for chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll keep the hearty, protein-rich feel of the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet while making it vegetarian-friendly.
Are there any other vegetables I can add?
Definitely! Zucchini, artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or even baby spinach work well. Just add heartier veggies (like zucchini or peppers) when you add the rice, and delicate ones (like spinach) at the very end.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet scales up easily. Just make sure you use a big enough pan so the rice cooks evenly. You may need a few extra minutes of simmering if the pan is crowded.
What type Main Course
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. Cast iron works beautifully, but any well-sealing nonstick or stainless skillet will do the job, too.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet enough—it’s a dish that manages to be both exciting and totally comforting, all with minimal time and effort. Whether you’re a Mediterranean food enthusiast or just love one-pan meals that make dinnertime a breeze, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple at your table. Let me know how it turns out, and don’t forget those extra lemon wedges!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, savory rice, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients for a satisfying dinner option.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Rice:
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice or jasmine rice
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, season chicken with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then brown in the skillet.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in uncooked rice, pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender.
- Finish the Dish: Stir in tomatoes, olives, and lemon juice, warm through, then top with feta and parsley before serving.
Notes
- For extra brightness, serve with lemon wedges.
- You can substitute quinoa or brown rice, adjusting liquid and cook time as needed.
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