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
Scale
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.
