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One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe

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4.5 from 62 reviews

This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish combining tender marinated chicken breast with aromatic herbs and spices, cooked together with perfectly fluffy rice and peas. Ideal for a wholesome weeknight meal, it brings Mediterranean-inspired tastes right to your kitchen using a simple stovetop method.

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning

  • 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

Chicken Marinade

  • 2 chicken breasts (sliced into 4 pieces)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 4 tsp of the seasoning blend (from above)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes, then drained)
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Making the seasoning. In a small mixing bowl, combine dried thyme, dried oregano, ground black pepper, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Preparing the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts in half or pound them to even thickness to get 4 pieces.
  3. Marinating the chicken. In a bowl, add 2 tsp of the prepared seasoning, 2 tsp lemon juice, and 2 tsp olive oil to the chicken pieces. Rub the marinade evenly on both sides of the chicken and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Preparing the rice. Rinse the rice thoroughly 2-3 times under cold water, soak it for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
  5. Chopping aromatics. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and keep them ready for cooking.
  6. Heating the pan and oil. Warm 2 tsp olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
  7. Pan-frying the chicken. Place the marinated chicken pieces into the heated pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
  8. Sauté onions. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and soft.
  9. Sauté garlic. Add the garlic to the pan and stir cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  10. Adding the rice and seasoning. Add the drained rice and 4 tsp of the prepared seasoning blend to the pan. Sauté the mixture for about a minute, stirring to coat the rice evenly with the spices and onion mixture.
  11. Adding the broth and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth, and add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Also, add 1 tsp lemon juice. Gently scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful browned bits.
  12. Adjust seasoning. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning by adding more seasoning blend if desired.
  13. Bringing to a boil. Allow the broth to come to a boil over medium-high heat.
  14. Adding peas and chicken. Add the frozen peas, then place the partially cooked chicken pieces back into the pan, nestling them into the rice.
  15. Simmering. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and the chicken is fully cooked through.
  16. Resting. Once the cooking is complete, remove from heat and keep the pan covered. Let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to steam and become fluffy.
  17. Finishing and serving. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm with a side salad if desired.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavor and tenderness.
  • Soaking and rinsing rice prevents stickiness and results in fluffier grains.
  • Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
  • Optional peas add color and a touch of sweetness but can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables.
  • For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili flakes to the seasoning blend.
  • If rice is still undercooked after the liquid is absorbed, add a couple of tablespoons of water and cook covered for a few more minutes.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken recipe, one pan chicken and rice, stovetop chicken and rice, easy chicken dinner, healthy chicken rice dish

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/one-pan-mediterranean-chicken-and-rice-recipe/