If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, vibrant colors, and simple cooking steps, then this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a wonderful harmony of tender chicken, fluffy rice, tangy feta, and briny olives, all coming together in one satisfying skillet meal that feels both comforting and fresh. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe never fails to impress with its rich Mediterranean flair and effortless preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just the right ingredients is the secret to making this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe shine. Each item plays a vital role, from the juicy chicken pieces carrying the spices to the colorful veggies that add texture and brightness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Offers juicy, tender protein that soaks up flavors beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that complements the Mediterranean vibe perfectly.
- Small onion, chopped: Provides a sweet, savory base that enhances the overall depth.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic punch essential in Mediterranean cooking.
- Long-grain white rice: The hearty backbone of the dish that absorbs all those delicious juices.
- Chicken broth: Infuses the rice and chicken with additional savory goodness.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursts of freshness and acidity to brighten every bite.
- Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Adds a salty, tangy twist classic to Mediterranean flavors.
- Dried oregano: A fragrant herb that brings authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Smoked paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky warmth that deepens the flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all ingredients.
- Crumbled feta cheese: A creamy, briny topping that elevates the final dish.
- Fresh parsley or dill: Adds a burst of herbal freshness as a vibrant garnish.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken chunks generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This simple spice blend infuses the chicken with a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired taste that sets the foundation for the entire skillet.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust but aren’t fully cooked through. This step locks in juices and adds a depth of flavor you’ll notice in every bite. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next steps.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. This combination creates a savory aromatic base that will mingle perfectly with the rice and other ingredients.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Next, add the long-grain white rice to the skillet and stir it for 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice slightly in the flavorful oil and onion mixture adds a lovely nutty dimension that boosts the overall dish.
Step 5: Add Liquids and Rest of Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Gently return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. These colorful ingredients will infuse the dish with fresh, zesty, and salty flavors as it cooks.
Step 6: Simmer Until Perfect
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it gently simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to cook through perfectly.
Step 7: Finish with Feta and Herbs
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top along with fresh parsley or dill. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes, giving the feta time to soften slightly and the herbs to release their fresh aroma before serving. This final touch adds a creamy, tangy contrast that makes this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
The feta cheese and fresh herbs are the classic garnishes that bring both flavor and a pop of color to this dish. For an extra touch, consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon zest to brighten the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This skillet meal is wonderfully balanced on its own but pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad or crusty bread to mop up those delicious juices. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complement the Mediterranean theme perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Bringing creativity to the table can be as simple as serving portions in individual shallow bowls, which showcase the vibrant colors and textures. Or try stuffing roasted bell peppers with this mixture for a fun presentation twist that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to blend, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When freezing, be sure to cool the dish completely to preserve the texture and flavors as best as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, microwave in bursts, stirring halfway through for even heating. Add fresh herbs or a sprinkle of feta after reheating to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too; just keep an eye on cooking times as they can cook faster and might dry out if overcooked. Using thighs tends to keep the dish juicier and more flavorful, but breasts are a leaner alternative.
Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might need to adjust the broth quantity and simmer time accordingly to ensure the rice cooks through properly.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as all the ingredients are free of gluten. Just be sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth to keep it safe if you have sensitivities.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives if I don’t like them?
If Kalamata olives aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for green olives or capers for a similar tangy, briny flavor. You could also omit them entirely, but the olives do add a nice Mediterranean signature taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this skillet?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost the veggie content and add color. Just adjust the cooking time so your veggies stay tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the way this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe comes together so effortlessly yet delivers incredible flavor and satisfaction. It’s a dish I come back to time and time again whenever I crave something wholesome, colorful, and downright delicious. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s sure to become a favorite on your menu too!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
A flavorful Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet featuring tender chicken thighs browned and simmered with aromatic rice, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. This one-pan meal is topped with tangy feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill, offering a perfect balance of savory and fresh Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Garnish
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken chunks evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika to infuse them with Mediterranean flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice to the skillet and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly and absorb flavors.
- Add Broth and Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the seared chicken to the skillet along with halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, distributing them evenly.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Let the dish simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the liquids, ensuring tender chicken and flavorful rice.
- Finish and Rest: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill over the top. Cover and let the dish rest for 5 minutes to meld flavors before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs offer more flavor and juiciness.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure the chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
- Feel free to add a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- If you prefer spicier food, add crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken.
