Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
If you’re ready to bring a burst of vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is your ticket to a weeknight meal that’s both hearty and refreshing. Juicy chicken bites mingle with fluffy rice, briny olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and a zippy punch of lemon, all in one pan. This dish bridges comfort and excitement with every forkful, and you don’t even need a long list of fancy ingredients. Whether you’re after quick cleanup or a gorgeous dinner that tastes like you’ve been planning for days, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is simply a joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are everyday, but together, they create magic. Each one brings a unique layer of taste, texture, or color—making this skillet dinner downright irresistible. Don’t skip any of them: they all have a part to play in building bold, craveable flavor!
- Chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these ensure every bite is juicy and protein-packed.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything sizzle to golden perfection.
- Dried oregano: The classic Mediterranean herb that infuses savory aroma throughout.
- Garlic powder: Lends a gentle background warmth without overpowering.
- Paprika: Offers mild smokiness and a pop of color—you’ll see and taste the difference.
- Salt and black pepper: The trusty duo that brings all the vibrant ingredients together.
- Long grain white rice: Soaks up all those Mediterranean flavors and turns delightfully fluffy.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Infuses the rice with depth and keeps everything moist.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny tang adds a signature Greek touch.
- Red onion: Finely diced for tiny pops of sharpness, both in taste and color.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled over top for creamy, tangy decadence.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled, this brightens the skillet beautifully.
- Lemon juice: The finishing touch that lifts all the flavors and ties them together.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Seasoned Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken pieces, sprinkle in the oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let the chicken cook for 5 to 6 minutes—what you’re looking for here is golden browning on the outside. The chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked yet; you just want to lock in those Mediterranean flavors and get some gorgeous color.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Once your chicken is looking golden, add the uncooked rice straight into the skillet. Stir it around to coat each grain in the oily, spiced goodness left from the chicken. This quick one-minute toasting is a secret move for extra flavor and a nuttier rice texture!
Step 3: Simmer with Chicken Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir. You’ll notice the skillet filling up with savory fragrance almost immediately! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then cover tightly with a lid, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer for 18 to 20 minutes. You want the rice to turn fluffy and absorb all the liquid, soaking up every bit of those delicious seasonings.
Step 4: Add the Mediterranean Goodies
Once the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed, it’s time for the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet signature finish—stir in the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion. Let everything cook together, uncovered, for another 2 to 3 minutes. The tomatoes will soften slightly, the onions will mellow, and the olives will infuse their briny punch.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon, Feta, and Parsley
Remove the skillet from the heat and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice to wake up all the flavors. Right before serving, shower everything with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and fresh chopped parsley. Your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is officially ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Nothing beats the simple combination of extra fresh parsley, some lemon wedges scattered around, and an extra sprinkle of feta on top. These finishing touches not only make the dish pop but add another hit of freshness and zing right before your first bite.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a one-pan wonder but loves a good supporting act! Try serving it with warm pita bread or a quick cucumber-yogurt tzatziki. A crisp green salad with cucumbers and a drizzle of olive oil will turn dinner into a real Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your vibrant skillet by piling the chicken and rice into colorful bowls, or serve family-style straight from the skillet. For parties, you can scoop individual portions into lettuce cups for a handheld twist—people will go wild for it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers to maintain the best flavor and texture. Feta and parsley can be sprinkled fresh before reheating for that just-made magic.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! For best results, skip adding the feta and parsley until after reheating. Scoop cooled portions of the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings until hot, or warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to restore a fluffy texture. Add fresh feta and parsley after reheating for the ultimate fresh finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and just as delicious in this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and follow the same instructions.
Is there a vegetarian version?
You can swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth for a completely vegetarian Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet. The flavors will still shine brightly!
What if I only have brown rice?
Brown rice works wonderfully; you’ll just need to increase the cooking time to about 35 to 40 minutes and check for doneness before adding the veggies.
How do I keep my rice from getting mushy?
Make sure to use the exact rice-to-broth ratio and simmer low and slow with a tight lid. Resist the urge to stir the rice while it cooks to ensure perfect texture!
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Simply leave out the feta cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. All the other Mediterranean flavors in this chicken & rice skillet remain just as bold and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, simple, and comforting, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is sure to win you over. The colors, aromas, and punchy flavors will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Give it a try and let this bright, flavorful skillet become a beloved staple in your kitchen too!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a mix of Mediterranean ingredients like olives and feta. It’s quick to make and perfect for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Rice:
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- juice of 1/2 lemon
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Add chicken, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
- Add Rice: Stir in rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Stir in tomatoes, olives, and onion. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, add lemon juice, and top with feta and parsley.
Notes
- For a whole-grain option, use brown rice and increase cook time.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be substituted for quicker preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
