Try Our Fresh Mediterranean Chicken And Rice Recipe Today

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hungry families.

This Mediterranean chicken and rice recipe delivers a delightful blend of herbs, spices, and tender protein.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among aromatic grains, creating a harmonious one-pan meal.

Fragrant rosemary and thyme dance with garlic and lemon, infusing each bite with vibrant Mediterranean essence.

Lean protein combines with wholesome rice, offering a nutritious and filling dinner option.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary culinary experience that transports you to sunny coastal landscapes.

Prepare to savor every delicious forkful of this Mediterranean-inspired comfort dish.

What Makes Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Great

• Infuse Mediterranean magic with minimal effort, blending tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and fresh ingredients in one skillet for a taste explosion.
• Streamline dinner preparation with a simple, one-pan technique that transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated steps or excessive cleanup.
• Pack your plate with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense kale, and wholesome rice, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, making it perfect for flexible home cooks who love personalized dining experiences.

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Ingredients

• Chicken: A lean protein source that serves as the main star of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Powder: Adds rich flavor and helps with cooking and seasoning.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides a classic Mediterranean herb blend to enhance the overall taste.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Onions, Kale: Adds nutrition, texture, and depth to the dish.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Introduces a concentrated, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Broth: Helps to create moisture and adds additional flavor to the dish.
• Rice: Serves as the hearty base that absorbs the delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

How to Cook Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Coat chicken with olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.

Allow chicken to sit briefly for enhanced flavor absorption.

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat skillet over medium-high heat.

Place chicken in an even layer.

Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until golden brown.

Stir and continue cooking for additional 3-5 minutes.

Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add olive oil spray to pan.

• Onions
• Garlic

Cook onions for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to burn.

Step 4: Build Flavor Base

• Kale
• Broth
• Remaining seasonings

Stir ingredients and cook for 2-3 minutes until kale wilts.

Step 5: Combine And Rest

• Cooked rice
• Seared chicken
• Sundried tomatoes

Stir well.

Cover with lid and turn off heat.

Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer to serving dish and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Helpful Tips for This Mediterranean Dish

• Let chicken soak in olive oil and seasonings for 20-30 minutes to enhance deep, rich flavor profiles before cooking.
• Watch garlic carefully during sautéing, removing from heat within one minute to avoid bitter taste and maintain delicate aromatics.
• Allow chicken to develop a beautiful golden crust by resisting the urge to move it around too quickly in the skillet, ensuring maximum caramelization and texture.
• Cover the dish after combining ingredients and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing seasonings to meld and create a more harmonious taste experience.
• Swap kale with spinach or swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and subtle flavor variations that complement the Mediterranean-style dish.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Chicken and rice maintain best quality when frozen separately.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent dryness. Cover with damp paper towel, heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Pairing Tips for Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or refreshing Pinot Grigio that complements the Mediterranean chicken's herbal notes and cuts through the dish's richness.
• Serve with Greek Salad: Create a tangy side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and oregano vinaigrette to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and add bright, fresh textures.
• Match with Herb-Infused Tzatziki: Prepare a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce using Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and garlic to provide a cooling contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken and rice.
• Complement with Lemony Roasted Vegetables: Roast zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to add extra Mediterranean authenticity and provide a vibrant vegetable accompaniment.

Fun Twists on Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Delight: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a gluten-free alternative that maintains the dish's Mediterranean essence.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Fusion: Swap rice with riced cauliflower and use lean turkey instead of chicken to create a low-carb, protein-packed meal that's lighter but equally flavorful.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or firm tofu, adding extra Mediterranean spices like za'atar and using vegetable broth to create a plant-based version that's rich in protein and texture.
• Seafood Mediterranean Remix: Replace chicken with shrimp or white fish like cod, adjusting cooking times to ensure the seafood is perfectly cooked while preserving the original recipe's aromatic herbs and seasonings.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They absorb the Mediterranean seasonings well and cook quickly in the skillet.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free if you have sensitivities.

• Is this dish spicy?

No, this Mediterranean chicken and rice recipe is more herb-focused with Italian seasonings. It’s flavorful but not spicy, making it suitable for most palates.

• How healthy is this recipe?

Very healthy! It’s packed with protein from chicken, nutrients from kale, and complex carbohydrates from rice. The olive oil adds healthy fats, making it a balanced, nutritious meal.

Mediterranean Chicken And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean chicken and rice brings robust flavors from Greek and Turkish culinary traditions to your dinner table. Herb-infused rice mingles with tender chicken, creating a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium garlic cloves
• 1 bunch kale
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sundried tomatoes in olive oil
• 2.5 cups (600 grams) cooked rice (jasmine or basmati)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by cutting into bite-sized pieces and infusing with olive oil, salt, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Allow the marinade to penetrate for 20 minutes to enhance flavor complexity.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high temperature until thoroughly warmed. Carefully distribute marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring maximum contact with the pan surface. Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown crust without disruption for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Continue cooking chicken, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and evenly browned. Transfer protein to a separate dish, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
4. Introduce a light olive oil spray to the same skillet. Sauté chopped onions for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Quickly incorporate minced garlic, taking care to prevent burning by cooking for roughly one minute.
5. Incorporate kale into the skillet, adding broth and remaining seasonings. Gently stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until kale wilts and becomes tender.
6. Combine cooked rice, reserved chicken, and sundried tomatoes into the skillet. Mix thoroughly, then cover and remove from heat. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and meld together seamlessly.

Notes

• Marinate chicken ahead of time to enhance flavor depth and tenderness, allowing spices to penetrate meat completely.
• Ensure skillet is properly heated before adding chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown sear without sticking or uneven cooking.
• Control garlic cooking time meticulously to prevent burning, which creates bitter taste and ruins overall dish quality.
• Let dish rest covered after cooking to allow ingredients to blend seamlessly, creating more harmonious and integrated flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg