Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is your passport to a comforting meal that’s dazzlingly full of color, savory flavor, and a touch of zesty elegance. What makes this dish irresistible isn’t just the perfectly seasoned chicken and aromatic rice; the magic truly happens once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese, delivering a pop of briny, creamy brightness in every forkful. Whether you need a quick weeknight meal or a dish to impress, this Mediterranean masterpiece checks all the boxes for texture, balance, and sheer crowd-pleasing possibility.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something to the table, from robust flavor and tender texture to a rainbow of Mediterranean hues. Here’s why you don’t want to skip a single one:

• Chicken (thighs or breasts): These are the hearty protein foundation of the dish, soaking up all the Mediterranean spices and remaining juicy through cooking.
• Long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine): Fluffy and aromatic, this rice cooks up beautifully and is key for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
• Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and deepens the flavor base of the dish.
• Garlic: Essential for that savory aroma and the classic Mediterranean punch.
• Bell pepper (red or yellow): For vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
• Diced tomatoes (drained): Contributes juiciness and a gentle tang, melding everything together.
• Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps everything moist.
• Dried oregano: A must-have for authentic Mediterranean herbiness.
• Paprika: Balances out the flavors with a subtle warmth.
• Cumin: For a gentle earthiness that brings complexity.
• Salt and black pepper: To season the dish just right.
• Kalamata olives (sliced): These briny gems are the secret to unmistakable Mediterranean flavor—reserve them for the final flourish.
• Feta cheese (crumbled): Creamy, tangy, and savory, feta is the finishing touch that brings the whole dish together.
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): A sprinkle of green for freshness and color.

How to Make Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, and cumin. Let the chicken cook, turning as needed, for about 5 to 7 minutes until beautifully browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—this step locks in flavor and makes sure every bite is succulent.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and softened. Next, add your bell pepper and cook for another couple of minutes. The house will smell absolutely mouthwatering at this point!

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the long-grain rice and let it toast gently for about one minute—this helps keep the rice fluffy and separate. Pour in the drained diced tomatoes and savory chicken broth, stirring to combine. This forms the base that the chicken and flavors will soak into.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the browned chicken pieces (plus any juices) to the skillet, give everything a gentle stir, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the magic happen for 20 to 25 minutes. The rice will absorb the liquid and all those layered flavors, resulting in a one-pot harmony of tastes and textures.

Step 5: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese

Now comes the moment that sets this dish apart—once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese. Fluff the rice gently with a fork, making sure the olives and feta are evenly distributed. The brininess of the olives and the creamy feta bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to every bite. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to fully meld the flavors.

How to Serve Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese

Garnishes

The finishing touch makes all the difference! Sprinkle plenty of fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top just before serving. This adds a hint of color and a pop of herby freshness that perfectly complements the dish, especially after you once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese.

Side Dishes

This vibrant one-pot meal truly shines on its own, but it’s also fantastic alongside a bright Greek salad, warm pita bread, or even a dish of tzatziki. The tangy yogurt dip echoes the creaminess of the feta, making every bite even more irresistible after you once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

If you really want to wow your guests, try serving this out of the skillet family-style at the table, or spoon it into colorful bowls for a casual gathering. For a fun twist, stuff the mixture into roasted bell pepper halves and bake for a Mediterranean-inspired stuffed pepper. No matter what, once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese and you have a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into airtight containers, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen as they mingle, making this a fantastic meal prep option. Give everything a gentle stir if it separates, ensuring that once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese, the dish is evenly distributed for your next meal.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Mediterranean Chicken and Rice! Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese, allow the dish to cool completely, then freeze in portioned airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results before reheating—just know that while the feta may lose a tiny bit of its creaminess, the flavors will still be delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore any lost moisture, or try microwaving in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure everything is heated evenly, so that each bite still features that lovely combination that happens once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and may need extra broth. The nutty texture pairs beautifully with the olives and feta added at the end, but plan for about 10-15 extra minutes of simmering time.

What’s the best way to slice Kalamata olives?

Use a sharp paring knife to cut the pitted olives lengthwise for perfect little half-moons. This makes them easy to stir in just before serving for that signature briny burst once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese.

Can I make this meatless?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein, and use veggie broth. The richness of olives and feta still brings plenty of Mediterranean flair.

What if I accidentally add the olives and feta too early?

No worries—while the flavor may mellow out, you’ll still get delicious results. For the most striking pop of flavor and texture, just try to wait until the very end so once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Most kids love the gentle spices and tender chicken, but you can always chop everything a little smaller and go easy on the olives for picky eaters. Serve extra feta on the side for cheese fans!

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—bring the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean to your table tonight! Once the rice is cooked, stir in the sliced olives and feta cheese, then gather around and enjoy a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is comforting. Your new favorite one-pan meal is calling!

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