If you are looking for a one-pan meal that bursts with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures, the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, bright cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and savory Kalamata olives to create a harmonious mix that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for anyone craving a Mediterranean-inspired dinner that brings warmth and comfort to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s building flavor, balancing textures, or adding pops of color. These simple yet essential ingredients make the cooking both approachable and rewarding.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, herbal note classic to Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild, spicy warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers subtle garlicky depth without overpowering.
- 1 small red onion, diced: Offers sweetness and a bit of crunch after sautéing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic freshness that infuses the dish.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Lends vibrant color and a sweet, crisp bite.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: Cooks up fluffy and light, soaking up all the savory broth.
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory base without too much salt.
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Burst of juiciness and bright acidity that wakes up the palate.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced: Brings a salty, briny kick characteristic of Mediterranean dishes.
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Adds creamy, tangy richness that melts slightly when warmed.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, herbal garnish to brighten the finished dish.
- Juice of 1/2 lemon: Adds a fresh citrus zing that balances the flavors wonderfully.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. This blend ensures each bite has a lovely Mediterranean flavor base. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, giving the pieces time to brown nicely and cook through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside, preserving all those delicious browned bits in the skillet for the next steps.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the diced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic releases its fragrance. This step builds a flavorful foundation, infusing the dish with those sweet and fragrant vegetable notes.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Next, add the rice directly into the skillet with your softened veggies. Stir and toast the rice for about 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice like this not only enhances its nutty flavor but also helps it absorb the broth more evenly later on.
Step 4: Simmer the Rice
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, bringing everything up to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let it simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice becomes tender and the liquid has absorbed completely. This gentle simmer ensures the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors from the broth, chicken, and vegetables.
Step 5: Combine and Warm Through
After the rice is perfectly tender, stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Keep the skillet uncovered and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing everything to warm through and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once off the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the entire dish if you like, adding a lovely touch of green and fresh herbal aroma. Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe warm and watch your guests marvel at both its ease and incredible taste.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or even a few basil leaves add a burst of color and fresh vibrance that lifts the dish. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of extra feta can also enhance the final presentation and flavor, making every serving feel special and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This skillet is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed vegetables such as green beans or asparagus. These sides keep the meal light and enhance the Mediterranean theme without overpowering the rich flavors of the chicken and rice.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive or family-style meal, serve the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe directly from the skillet at the table so everyone can scoop what they like. Alternatively, portion it out and garnish each plate with extra olives and cherry tomatoes for an elegant touch. For meal prep, pack it in airtight containers topped with fresh herbs so it looks as appetizing the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The rice might absorb some of the moisture overnight, so a quick stir before reheating is all it needs to regain its lovely texture.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish, but keep in mind that the rice’s texture might change slightly upon thawing. For best results, cool completely before placing in a freezer-safe container or bag, and use within 1 to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Warm it gently on medium heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. This brings back the bright, comforting flavors reminiscent of freshly made Mediterranean meals.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe?
Yes, brown rice is a great, nutritious alternative. Just remember it will require more cooking liquid and a longer cooking time, usually about 40 to 45 minutes, so adjust accordingly to ensure it cooks fully.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe and delicious for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to customize by adding veggies like spinach, artichoke hearts, or zucchini. Just stir these in towards the end of cooking to retain their texture and freshness.
What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking, but you can also use thighs for a juicier option. Adjust cooking time as needed if thighs are used.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
To make a vegan or vegetarian version, swap the chicken for plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and omit the feta or use a vegan alternative. The rest of the flavors stay deliciously intact.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—vibrant, wholesome, and packed with delightful flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a fantastic dish to add to your midweek repertoire. Dive in and enjoy the delicious simplicity of this Mediterranean-inspired classic!
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Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet that combines tender chicken, aromatic herbs, vibrant vegetables, and creamy feta cheese in one easy stovetop dish. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner packed with Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Vegetables & Rice
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Finishing Touches
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives (sliced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with oregano, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring they are evenly coated for a flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add diced red onion, minced garlic, and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften, releasing their fragrant flavors.
- Toast the Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice with the sautéed vegetables and toast it for 1–2 minutes, coating the grains in the flavorful oils and slightly nutting the taste.
- Simmer the Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Combine and Warm Through: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet along with halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, lemon juice, and crumbled feta cheese. Cook uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm all the ingredients thoroughly and meld the flavors together.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve the Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet warm for a delicious one-pan meal.
Notes
- Swap white rice for brown rice for a healthier option; just increase the broth to 2 3/4 cups and cook longer to ensure the rice is tender.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach or artichoke hearts during the sautéing stage for more nutrients and color.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level especially if watching sodium intake.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.
