Delicious One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice Recipe
If you are looking for a simple yet full-flavored meal, One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a perfect choice. This dish brings the taste of Mediterranean cuisine right into your kitchen. The combination of spices, marinated chicken, rice, and seasonal vegetables creates a wholesome dinner that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it cooks in just one pan, making it easy to clean up afterward!
Why Make This Recipe
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with flavors and nutritious ingredients. Here are several reasons why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
Health Benefits: The dish includes chicken, which is a great source of protein. The use of vegetables, such as onions and peas, adds vitamins and minerals to the meal. The spices used, like turmeric and cumin, even have health benefits.
One-Pan Cooking: This recipe allows you to cook everything in one pan. This means less time spent cleaning up after dinner. You can enjoy your meal and relax without worrying about a big mess in the kitchen.
Customizable Dish: You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have at home. You can use different vegetables or spices that you prefer. This flexibility makes it suitable for many tastes and occasions.
Family-Friendly: The combination of chicken and rice with mild Mediterranean spices makes it appealing to both kids and adults. It’s a dish that is likely to be a hit at family dinners.
Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Just store them correctly, and you’ll have quick meals ready to go.
How to Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Making One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is straightforward and will take about 45 minutes from start to finish. Follow the steps below for a delicious meal!
Ingredients
To make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 chicken breasts (sliced)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil (plus 2 more tsp for cooking)
- 4 tsp of the seasoning mix
- 1 onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes)
- 2 and 1/4 cups of chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp lemon juice (for finishing)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Directions
Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a bowl, mix together the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric. This seasoning mix adds a beautiful flavor to the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the sliced chicken breasts with 4 teaspoons of the seasoning mix. Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons of olive oil to the bowl and mix until the chicken is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 15 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and cook them until they are soft, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Then add the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
Sear the Chicken: Add your marinated chicken to the pan. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Searing the chicken creates a tasty crust.
Add Rice and Chicken Broth: Stir in your soaked and drained rice and mix it thoroughly with the chicken. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and the cinnamon stick to the mixture.
Cook Everything Together: Bring the contents of the pan to a gentle boil. After boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the broth.
Add Peas: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the frozen peas to the pan. They will warm up and add a nice pop of color and flavor to your dish.
Finish the Dish: Once the cooking time is up, turn off the heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then stir in the remaining teaspoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Use a fork to fluff the rice before serving.
Serve: You can serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice warm. Feel free to garnish it with fresh herbs if desired.
How to Serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Serving One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is as easy as dishing it out onto plates or into bowls. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:
Garnish: Consider garnishing your dish with some fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to add extra flavor and color.
Pair with a Salad: A light Greek salad pairs wonderfully with this dish. The freshness of the salad complements the flavors of the chicken and rice.
Add a Side: You might also serve it alongside pita bread or crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Offering Options: If you have guests, consider serving lemon wedges for an extra zesty touch. Some may enjoy a sprinkle of feta cheese on top.
How to Store One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Proper storage will ensure that your One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice stays delicious for later. Here are some storage tips:
Cool Before Storing: Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent bacterial growth.
Refrigeration: Store the chicken and rice in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to always use a clean spoon when serving out portions to avoid contamination.
Freezing: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze it. Divide the dish into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating: When you want to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the rice seems dry.
Tips to Make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your recipe turns out perfectly:
Rice Type: You can use any long-grain rice such as basmati or jasmine, but always rinse your rice well to remove excess starch for better texture.
Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking can elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Consider herbs like parsley or dill.
Chicken Alternatives: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add more flavor.
Adjust Spices: If you enjoy more heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Variations
While this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is delicious as is, here are some variations you might try:
Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it plant-based.
Seafood Twist: Substitute chicken with shrimp or fish. Cook the seafood until just done to avoid overcooking.
Spicy Addition: For a spice lover’s version, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken while marinating.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice several hours in advance. Simply store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook it.
2. Is it necessary to soak the rice?
Soaking the rice helps it cook evenly and achieve a better texture. While it’s not strictly necessary, it is recommended.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice. However, it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
With its rich blend of flavors and easy preparation, One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric to create the seasoning mix.
- Coat the sliced chicken breasts with 4 teaspoons of the seasoning mix, 2 teaspoons of lemon juice, and 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Let marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the finely chopped onions for about 2-3 minutes until soft, then add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan and sear it until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the soaked and drained rice, then pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
- Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and has absorbed the broth.
- Add the frozen peas in the last few minutes of cooking to warm them up.
- After cooking, let the pan sit covered for 5 minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.