Imagine a dinner that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one pan and minimal effort. This One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Rice is not just a meal; it's a culinary escape that promises crispy chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for simplicity, or someone craving a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle, this recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olives
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano on both sides.
- Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the pan and set aside on a plate. In the same pan, add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits. This will add extra flavor to the dish.
- Nestle the chicken thighs back into the rice, ensuring they are partially submerged in the liquid.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives around the chicken.
- Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil before serving. Serve hot directly from the pan.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent burning.
- Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent mushiness.
- Don't skip scraping the pan's browned bits when adding broth - these are flavor goldmines!
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- For extra richness, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs which provide more flavor.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end can elevate the dish's freshness and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
