Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a restaurant style dish that is made with fresh Mediterranean flavors. A nutritious dinner made in an hour that the whole family will enjoy.
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“More Mediterranean dinners please!”
That was a popular request on a recent poll I sent out in my
newsletter last month. SOoOOoOo here we go!
I’m delivering all things Mediterranean, starting with this easy and flavorful One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice dinner. (or lunch!).
I’m all about using the cast iron skillet to whip up dinners. If it can be made using one pan, I’m in. Who else dreads the mound of dishes after a long day? The less dishes, the happier I am. You too, right?!
Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the skillet.
Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.)
Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.
What are the commonly used Mediterranean ingredients?
A lot of Basil, cucumbers, dill, fennel, feta cheese, garlic, honey, lemon, mint, olive oil, oregano, yogurt.
Tell me more about this yellow rice!
This yellow rice is the best rice I’ve ever had. We made it over Christmas and we are now obsessed!
Use Jasmine rice! Jasmine rice is naturally fragrant and has the most wonderfully rich, mellow, and almost nutty flavor.
You can find it at most major supermarkets either in the international foods aisle or in the rice section, usually on the bottom shelf. I like to buy it in bulk!
SPICE IT UP!
Adding in the turmeric not only gives it a beautiful glowing yellow color but it adds a richness to the dish. Add in cumin so it adds to the nutty flavor of the jasmine rice!
How to make easy chicken and rice
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium sized bowl, mix chicken thighs with oregano, parsley, paprika, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add in olive oil, then place seasoned chicken onto cast iron skillet (or the pan you are using) and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Chicken won’t cook completely, that’s OK because it will be going into the oven to cook all the way!
Remove the chicken from the cast iron and set side on a plate. Keep the cast iron on medium heat, melt the butter and add in diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes and then stir in garlic.
Then, add in the uncooked rice and stir for 30 seconds. Then add in the chicken broth, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon, stir.
Place chicken back in pan on top of the uncooked rice. Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F and rice is cooked.
Garnish with parsley and other garnish suggestions and enjoy!
What rice can I use if I don’t have jasmine?
Any white long grain white rice works! (Cooking time and liquid for brown rice will vary).
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! I would slice them in half lengthwise to make them thinner and easier to cook!
Preheat oven to 350° F. In a medium sized bowl, mix chicken thighs with oregano, parsley, paprika, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Heat cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add in olive oil, then place seasoned chicken onto cast iron skillet (or the pan you are using) and cook for ~3-4 minutes on each side. Chicken won’t cook completely, that’s OK because it will be going into the oven to cook all the way!
Remove the chicken from the cast iron and set side on a plate. Keep the cast iron on medium heat, melt the butter and add in diced onion. Cook for about 2-3 minutes and then stir in garlic.
Then, add in the uncooked rice and stir for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, turmeric, cumin and cinnamon, stir. Place chicken back in pan on top of the uncooked rice.
Cover with foil and bake in your preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F and rice is cooked. Garnish with parsley and other garnish you prefer and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Recipe adapted from Dinner then Dessert.This recipe serves 4, depending on your appetite. When Cameron and I are really hungry…we can eat this entire meal on our own, haha!
Welcome to my tiny “korner” on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, don’t tell anyone). I am so glad you’re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.
This Recipe is so easy and AMAZING! Being a working mom, give me a one pan meal and I’m in! The best part is I already had all of the ingredients on hand to make this as they are items I always have. I’m not one to typically leave a review but this one deserved it. Even got the husbands stamp of approval.
Is my husband secretly a fan of your blog? Because he keeps saying the same thing to me when I ask him what he wants for dinner — “More Mediterranean, please!” I am adding this to my meal plan list ASAP. He will be so pleased.
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I made this tonight, and it was AMAZING! This is definitely going into rotation. My picky 5yr devoured it.
Aw Christine, that made my day!! Thank you so much for the comment, I am glad your little one enjoyed it! xo, Tawnie
Very tasty recipe! I’ve never mad a Mediterranean chicken before and this was easy and delicious. Adding feta gave it an extra burst of flavor.
I am so glad you enjoyed it – thank you!!
This Recipe is so easy and AMAZING! Being a working mom, give me a one pan meal and I’m in! The best part is I already had all of the ingredients on hand to make this as they are items I always have. I’m not one to typically leave a review but this one deserved it. Even got the husbands stamp of approval.
Aw Debby thank you SOO much!! This means so much to me that you (and your hubby) enjoyed it – thank you!
Took this to a Sunday family dinner and wow oh wow! It was definitely a crowd pleaser. Everyone was asking for the recipe. Thanks for sharing Tawnie!
Thank you so much Heather I am so glad everyone enjoyed it!
Love the idea of cooking chicken with rice in a skillet! Can’t wait to try it.
Sooo easy and tasty! Thanks so much Matt I hope you love it!
Such a gorgeous one pan meal! I absolutely love the color of that rice. Definitely need to give it a try.
Thank you so much! My family loves this one & hope you do too!
Is my husband secretly a fan of your blog? Because he keeps saying the same thing to me when I ask him what he wants for dinner — “More Mediterranean, please!” I am adding this to my meal plan list ASAP. He will be so pleased.
hahaha omg too funny!! Thank you, hope he loves this one!! xo
One pan chicken dishes are what get me through the week. Love the Kalamata olives in this one!
Thank you so much Tara!!
What a delicious looking mediterranean chicken rice!! Yumm, i would love to give this a try!!
Thank you so much Sonila! I hope you love it!
Lovely!
Thank you so much!