introduction
This One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is an easy, tasty meal you make in one skillet. It cooks rice and chicken together so cleanup is quick. If you like simple weeknight dinners, you may also enjoy a similar fast rice meal like this cheesy ground beef and rice recipe for variety.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, uses one pan, and fills the house with warm Mediterranean flavors. It needs common spices and pantry rice. The dish is good for busy nights and for feeding a small family. For a small sweet touch or glaze to other dishes, some cooks use tricks like the Japanese honey trick to add gentle sweetness in simple meals.
how to make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Heat oil, cook onion and garlic, then brown the chicken with spices. Add rice and broth, simmer until the rice is tender, then stir in peas. Keep the pan covered and check once so the rice cooks evenly. If you want an extra flavor tip for everyday use, read about the best honey trick for daily use that some home cooks like to have on hand.
Ingredients :
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, 2 chicken breasts (sliced, gives you 4 pieces), 2 tsp lemon juice, 2 tsp olive oil, 4 tsp of the seasoning, 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
Directions :
- In a small bowl, mix the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Add chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle the mixed seasoning over the chicken. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the soaked rice, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving.
how to serve One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Serve hot straight from the pan. Spoon onto plates and add a lemon wedge if you like. A side salad or warm pita bread fits well. Garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil for shine.
how to store One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Let the dish cool to room temperature within two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in short bursts until hot.
tips to make One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
- Dry the chicken slices with a paper towel so they brown better.
- Use low sodium broth so you can control salt.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks; steam is needed to finish the rice.
- If the rice is still firm at 15 minutes, add a few tablespoons of hot water and cook a few more minutes.
- For an extra light sweet touch in some recipes, people use the Canaan honey for eyes idea sparingly as a glaze on other dishes, but it is optional here.
variation (if any)
- Make it with thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.
- Add chopped tomatoes or olives for more Mediterranean notes.
- Swap peas for spinach or bell peppers to change the veggies.
FAQs
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Brown rice needs more liquid and longer cooking time. Use about 2 to 2 1/2 cups broth and cook for 35-40 minutes.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge and reheat. The rice may firm up, so add a little broth when reheating.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: You can freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I skip the cinnamon stick and bay leaf?
A: Yes. They add a mild flavor, but the dish will still be good without them. Also see a simple home trick called the Canaan honey trick for other flavor ideas if you want to experiment in small ways.
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft.
- Add chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle the mixed seasoning over the chicken. Sauté until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the soaked rice, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Stir everything together.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the frozen peas and let them heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving.