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This single-skillet Mediterranean chicken and rice has quickly become my go-to dinner fix, bringing together tasty protein, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice all in one pan. Every bite of rice soaks up the wonderful Mediterranean seasonings while the chicken cooks to perfect tenderness without much work.
I first whipped up this meal when I wanted to wow my spouse's parents with something that looked fancy but wasn't hard to make. Seeing the completely empty pan after dinner told me all I needed to know – it's been part of our regular menu ever since.
Ingredients
- Rice: Go for quality basmati or long grain for separate, non-sticky results
- Chicken breast: Cut into thin pieces for quick cooking and better flavor soaking
- Dried herbs and spices: Give you that real Mediterranean taste without needing fresh herbs
- Chicken broth: Makes the rice much tastier than just using water
- Cinnamon stick and bay leaf: Add gentle warmth throughout your meal
- Frozen peas: Bring color and nutrients without extra cutting or chopping
- Lemon juice: Perks up all the flavors and balances the rich elements
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Create the Spice Blend:
- Mix your dried herbs and spices in a small container. This flavor mix works twice – first to season the chicken, then to flavor your rice. Make extra so you can save some for your next cooking session.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breasts into thinner pieces for quicker cooking and better flavor. Coat with olive oil, lemon juice and your spice mix, making sure to cover everything well. Let it sit for at least half an hour while you get other things ready.
- Sear the Chicken:
- Warm oil in a sturdy pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Put in the seasoned chicken without overcrowding and cook each side for 2-3 minutes. You want them golden but they don't need to be fully cooked yet. Set aside on a plate.
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Using the same pan, cook onions in the tasty oil left from the chicken. Cook until see-through and starting to brown at the edges, about 5 minutes. Toss in garlic and cook for half a minute until you can smell it, but don't let it burn.
- Prepare the Rice:
- Add your drained rice to the pan with more spice blend. Cook the rice for about a minute to bring out its nutty flavor and help keep grains separate. Keep stirring so nothing sticks.
- Create the Cooking Liquid:
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any stuck bits from the bottom – that's where the good flavor lives. Add your bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Let it start to bubble, then taste and add salt or spices if needed.
- Combine and Cook:
- Put the chicken back into the pan, tucking pieces into the rice. Sprinkle frozen peas over everything. Turn heat to low, cover tightly, and let cook for 15-20 minutes until liquid is gone and rice feels soft.
- Rest and Serve:
- Take the pan off the heat but keep it covered for 10 more minutes. This helps make your rice perfectly fluffy. Pick out the cinnamon and bay leaf, fluff the rice with a fork, and top with fresh herbs before bringing to the table.
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The turmeric in this dish not only creates that beautiful golden color but also offers health benefits for inflammation. I came across this meal during a really tough time in my life, and the mix of comforting rice and beneficial spices turned into my weekly self-care dinner tradition.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Mediterranean chicken and rice stays fresh in your fridge for up to 4 days, which makes it perfect for planning meals ahead. Keep it in sealed containers and when reheating, add a little water or broth to bring back moisture. The flavor actually gets stronger overnight as the spices continue working their magic.
Customizing Your Dish
Don't worry about changing things based on what you've got at home. Chicken thighs can work even better than breasts since they're juicier. If you want to go meat-free, try using roasted chickpeas or halloumi cheese chunks instead, with veggie broth rather than chicken broth. The spice mix is what gives you that true Mediterranean taste no matter what protein you pick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish works great by itself, but I love adding a simple tomato and cucumber salad with just lemon juice and olive oil on top. The cool, crunchy veggies really balance the warm, spicy rice. A spoonful of yogurt sauce or tzatziki adds a creamy touch that goes so well with all those aromatic spices.
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This meal will definitely become a household favorite—it turns everyday ingredients into something amazing without much effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can chicken thighs replace chicken breasts?
Totally! Thighs are juicier and add even more flavor to this dish.
- → What kind of rice works best here?
Basmati or jasmine is perfect since it soaks up all the flavors while staying fluffy.
- → How can I make this vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and replace chicken broth with veggie broth for a tasty vegetarian twist.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Pop leftovers into a sealed container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm them up gently on the stove or in a microwave.
- → Can I add extra veggies?
Of course! Try tossing in zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. They cook nicely if added while sautéing.
- → Do I need to soak the rice?
Soaking makes the rice fluffier and reduces cooking time. It’s great to do if you have a few extra minutes but not a must.