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
Scale
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.
