Imagine transporting your taste buds to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean with just one mouthwatering dish! This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe isn't just a meal—it's a flavor-packed adventure that combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken, aromatic rice, and vibrant Mediterranean ingredients in a single, irresistible skillet. Whether you're a busy home cook craving a quick dinner or a food enthusiast seeking an exotic yet simple recipe, this dish promises to deliver restaurant-quality flavors right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup rice, uncooked
- 1/2 cup olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes and ensuring all other ingredients are measured and ready.
- Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil, thoroughly coating each piece to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is lightly golden and mostly cooked through.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet with the chicken, stirring to toast the rice slightly and coat it with the pan's flavors.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring rice and chicken are evenly covered, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, fold in sliced olives and sun-dried tomatoes to warm them through.
- Remove from heat and let the dish rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Temperature Control: Use medium-high heat when browning chicken to achieve a golden exterior without drying out the meat.
- Seasoning Secret: For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in herbs and spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking if time permits.
- Rice Perfection: Toast the rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
- Liquid Ratio: Always use the recommended chicken broth amount to ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
- Resting Time: Never skip the 5-minute resting period after cooking—this allows flavors to meld and rice to absorb remaining moisture.
- Ingredient Freshness: Use high-quality olives and sun-dried tomatoes for the most authentic Mediterranean taste.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider adding crumbled feta cheese or fresh parsley as a garnish for extra Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 363kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
