One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice

A warm, inviting aroma fills the kitchen as you prepare One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice, creating a delightful moment that promises comfort. This dish comes together in about 40 minutes, perfectly blending savory, aromatic spices with juicy chicken and tender rice, proving that simplicity can yield spectacular flavors.

Ideal for busy weeknights or an easy family dinner, this recipe is also a fantastic option for meal prep. Make it ahead of time and store leftovers for a quick, satisfying lunch throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan means easy cleanup after cooking.
• Flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
• The chicken is tender and juicy, infused with spices.
• It uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients before diving into the cooking process.

For the Chicken

• 2 chicken breasts, sliced (gives you 4 pieces)
• 2 tsp lemon juice
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 4 tsp of the seasoning

For the 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

For the Rice

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup rice, rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 2 and 1/4 cups of chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 1/2 cup frozen peas

Note: Low sodium broth helps control salt levels.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Swap peas for other frozen vegetables.
• Brown rice can replace white rice, adjusting cooking time.
• Olive oil can be substituted with avocado oil.

How to Make It

Let’s get cooking!

Prepare the Seasoning

Mix 4 teaspoons of the seasoning blend in a bowl. Set aside for later use when marinating the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Combine the sliced chicken breasts with lemon juice, olive oil, and half of the prepared seasoning in a bowl. Allow it to marinate for at least 10 minutes.

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cooking for about 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides. Ensure the chicken is cooked through and fragrant.

Combine Rice and Broth

Stir in the rinsed rice, chicken broth, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and remaining seasoning blend. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Simmer and Finish

Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the frozen peas.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: Yes, it freezes well; thaw before reheating.
Reheat: Microwave for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

Tips for Best Results

• Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch.
• Allow the chicken to marinate for longer for enhanced flavor.
• Use a lid while simmering to retain moisture.
• Adjust seasoning to taste when adding to the broth.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up flavors.
• Excellent with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki on top.