Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Imagine tender, juicy chicken seasoned with aromatic Mediterranean spices, nestled on a bed of fluffy, herb-infused rice. This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is the perfect harmony of bright lemon, earthy herbs, and savory protein that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-drenched shores of Greece or Italy. The colorful medley of bell peppers, olives, and tomatoes adds both visual appeal and nutritional value to this one-pan wonder. You’ll learn how to create this wholesome, flavor-packed meal that’s impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is a game-changer for your meal rotation for so many reasons. First, it’s a complete, balanced meal in one dish – protein, grains, and vegetables all working together to create a nutritional powerhouse. The textures are incredibly satisfying – from the crispy-skinned chicken thighs to the tender rice that absorbs all the savory flavors of the dish.

What makes this Mediterranean chicken dish truly special is how the bright acidity of lemon juice and the depth of olive oil create a perfect foundation for the aromatic herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Each bite delivers the essence of Mediterranean cooking: simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something extraordinary.

Best of all, this dish requires minimal cleanup since everything cooks in one pan. The hands-off cooking time allows you to prepare a side salad or simply relax while your kitchen fills with mouthwatering aromas. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this Mediterranean chicken with rice will quickly become a household favorite.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1½ cups (300g) long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 3 cups (710ml) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120ml) dry white wine (optional, can substitute with additional broth)
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• ½ cup (80g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup (30g) crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The key to authentic Mediterranean flavor lies in using high-quality olive oil – preferably extra virgin – and fresh lemon juice rather than bottled versions. Fresh herbs will elevate the dish, but dried herbs work wonderfully when fresh aren’t available.

Pro Tips

To elevate your Mediterranean Chicken and Rice from good to exceptional, follow these professional techniques:

Season Aggressively: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper when seasoning your chicken. This step creates a foundation of flavor that carries through the entire dish. Season both sides of the chicken thighs generously before searing them in the pan.

Achieve the Perfect Sear: For maximum flavor development, make sure your pan is properly heated before adding the chicken. Wait until your oil is shimmering but not smoking. Once you place the chicken in the pan, resist the urge to move it for at least 4-5 minutes. This patience will reward you with a beautiful golden crust that locks in moisture and creates depth of flavor.

Toast Your Rice: Before adding liquids, take an extra minute to toast the rice in the pan with a bit of olive oil. This simple step develops a nutty flavor and helps the grains maintain their structure during cooking, preventing the dreaded mushy rice. Stir the rice continuously for about 2 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges before adding your broth and wine.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the chicken by patting it dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt, pepper, half the oregano, and half the paprika. This ensures the Mediterranean Chicken and Rice has flavor built into every component. Allow the chicken to sit with the seasonings for about 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. You’re not trying to cook them through at this point – just developing that gorgeous crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Toss in the bell peppers and continue cooking for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Your kitchen should be filling with amazing aromas now!

Step 4: Add the minced garlic, remaining oregano, thyme, paprika, and cumin to the vegetables. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds until fragrant – be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.

Step 5: Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat with the oil and spices. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes slightly translucent around the edges.

Step 6: Pour in the white wine (if using) and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits – these contain incredible flavor! Allow the wine to simmer for 1-2 minutes until mostly reduced.

Step 7: Add the chicken broth, lemon zest, and half the lemon juice. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the rice, and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 8: Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). If the rice seems dry during cooking, add a splash more broth.

Step 9: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, scatter the olives and cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Replace the lid and finish cooking.

Step 10: Remove from heat and let the Mediterranean Chicken and Rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining lemon juice, sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Variations

This versatile Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe can be easily adapted to suit different dietary needs or preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Vegetarian Mediterranean Rice Bowl: Skip the chicken and double the vegetables. Add in artichoke hearts, roasted eggplant, and chickpeas for protein. The same seasonings work beautifully, and you can increase the feta cheese for more richness. This plant-based version maintains all the Mediterranean flavors while being completely vegetarian-friendly.

Seafood Twist: Replace the chicken with shrimp or chunks of firm white fish like cod or halibut. If using seafood, add it during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking since it requires much less time than chicken. The delicate flavors of seafood pair wonderfully with the bright lemon and herbs in this Mediterranean rice dish.

Whole Grain Option: For added nutritional benefits, substitute brown rice or farro for the white rice. Note that cooking times will need to be adjusted – brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes to cook through. The nuttier flavor of whole grains adds another dimension to this already flavorful Mediterranean meal.

Storage and Serving

Your Mediterranean Chicken and Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Reheat in the microwave with a sprinkle of water to restore moisture, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.

For an impressive presentation, serve this colorful dish family-style in the cooking pan or transfer to a large platter. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.

Pair your Mediterranean chicken with a simple Greek salad dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a complete meal. For a more elaborate spread, serve alongside warm pita bread and homemade tzatziki sauce or hummus. A chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the bright flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs in this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe. Since chicken breasts are leaner, be careful not to overcook them. Reduce the simmering time by about 5 minutes and check for doneness (165°F/74°C internal temperature).

Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy. The Mediterranean flavor profile relies on herbs and aromatics rather than heat. If you prefer some spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the other spices.

Can I make this with pre-cooked rice to save time?
While the recipe is best when the rice cooks in the flavorful broth, you can adapt it using pre-cooked rice. Simply reduce the broth to about ¾ cup, cook the chicken separately until done, then fold in 3 cups of cooked rice and the remaining ingredients, heating just until warmed through.

How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative. The dish is still delicious without cheese, as the olives provide plenty of salty flavor.

What’s the best pan to use for this recipe?
A large skillet with high sides and a tight-fitting lid works best. Cast iron, enameled cast iron, or a heavy stainless steel pan will all work well for this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice dish.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is comfort food at its finest — bright, satisfying, and nourishing in every bite. The harmonious blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables creates a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends. With its make-ahead convenience and impressive flavors, this Mediterranean one-pan wonder might just become your new signature dish.

Print