There’s something magical about the simplicity of a one-pan meal, isn’t there? It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds, bringing together all the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean in one convenient dish. Picture this: juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and vibrant vegetables nestled among fluffy rice, all cooked together to create an explosion of flavor with minimal effort. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice.
Just a few weeks ago, I found myself reminiscing about the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. The aroma of grilled meats and roasted vegetables wafting through the air, the laughter of friends and family gathered around a table overflowing with colorful dishes—it all made me crave a taste of those vibrant flavors. With a burst of inspiration and a well-stocked pantry, I decided to recreate that experience right at home. And let me tell you, this dish takes me back every single time I make it.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 30 minutes
- Total Duration: 40 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 2-3
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 450
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbs: 50 grams
- Fats: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugars: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
This dish shines not only because it’s delightful on the palate but also because it’s ridiculously easy to throw together! You start with a sear that gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, making your kitchen smell irresistible. Then, with just one pan to clean, you mix in fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, letting the flavors meld together seamlessly. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients while being comforting enough to serve to guests or family on a weeknight. You’ll find yourself coming back for seconds!
The Complete Cooking Journey
Now that you’re excited to dive in, let’s walk through the simple steps. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, promising that “wow” factor without demanding too much time or effort.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Method:
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Sear the chicken in the pan until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the Chicken
Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 5: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pan, add the red onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
Step 6: Add the Rice
Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil.
Step 7: Pour in Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Step 8: Incorporate Veggies
Stir in the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes.
Step 9: Combine Chicken Back In
Place the chicken on top and cover the pan.
Step 10: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is done.
Step 11: Garnish
Sprinkle with black olives before serving.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish is fantastic when served warm, fresh out of the pan, with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. For a more complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette or some warm garlic bread to soak up those delicious juices. A chilled glass of white wine or aromatic herbal tea complements the Mediterranean flavors nicely.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it needs a little moisture.
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: Let your chicken rest for a few minutes after searing to keep it juicy.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and good quality chicken broth elevate this dish significantly.
- Don’t Rush the Simmering: Allowing the rice to simmer in the broth helps it absorb all those beautiful flavors.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to switch up the vegetables according to what’s in season or what you have on hand! Zucchini, spinach, or artichokes would all add a lovely twist. You could even add a kick with some red pepper flakes if you love spice!
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook. You may need to use a bit more broth as well. -
What if I don’t have olives?
No problem! You can simply omit them or substitute with capers for a similar briny flavor. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it. The flavors will deepen and be even more delightful. -
What’s a good substitute for chicken?
Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully, or you could try cubed tofu for a vegetarian option. -
Can I add more spices?
Definitely! Feel free to play with spices like cumin or paprika for added depth.
Wrapping Up
Cooking is all about exploring flavors and bringing joy to your table. This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a perfect dish to do just that. It’s simple yet impressive, making it an ideal candidate for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions. So gather your ingredients, make your kitchen smell divine, and celebrate bringing a taste of the Mediterranean home with you. Happy cooking!
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One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A cozy one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and vibrant vegetables cooked with fluffy rice, bringing the comforting flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup of rice
- 2 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup of bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Sear the chicken in the pan until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the red onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
- Add the rice and stir to coat it in the oil.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the bell peppers and cherry tomatoes.
- Place the chicken on top and cover the pan.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is done.
- Sprinkle with black olives before serving.
Notes
For a more complete meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread. Feel free to switch up the vegetables according to what’s in season.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
