If you’re craving a meal that feels like a sunny Mediterranean escape right at your dinner table, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken, fluffy rice, briny olives, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all coming together in one pan for a fuss-free yet explosion-of-flavor dish. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family night or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers comforting warmth and vibrant freshness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pulling together this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe is simple and satisfying because every ingredient plays a key role in balancing the dish’s texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this colorful, aromatic meal that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Chicken thighs bring juiciness while breasts keep it lean; both work beautifully.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: The rich foundation that helps sear the chicken and infuses Mediterranean character.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness once softened, layering the dish with depth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brightens and uplift the flavors with its pungent, savory punch.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice: This rice cooks up fluffy and perfectly soaks in all the delicious broth.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Makes the rice tender and infuses the whole skillet with savory richness.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with fresh acidity and a pop of color.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Provides a salty, briny contrast that elevates the overall flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: The herb that brings the unmistakable Mediterranean flair.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika: Adds a whisper of smoky warmth for a more complex taste profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: The creamy, tangy finishing touch that melts slightly into the warm dish.
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish: A fresh herbal note that brightens the presentation and palate.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken chunks with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. This ensures every bite is packed with that iconic Mediterranean flavor even before anything hits the pan, creating a deliciously seasoned base.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re nicely browned on the outside but not completely cooked through yet—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful golden crust. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest briefly.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and sauté it for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Follow that by adding the minced garlic, cooking it for another minute to release those lovely savory aromas without burning it.
Step 4: Toast the Rice
Mix in the long-grain rice with the onion and garlic, stirring for about 1 to 2 minutes. Toasting the rice slightly before adding liquid not only boosts its nutty flavor but also helps achieve fluffy, separated grains after cooking.
Step 5: Add Broth, Chicken, Tomatoes, and Olives
Pour in the chicken broth to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan along with the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. This step allows the vibrant ingredients to mingle and infuse the rice and chicken with their fresh, savory goodness.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let everything simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed. This simmering period is where the magic happens — flavors deepen, and every morsel comes together harmoniously.
Step 7: Add Feta and Fresh Herbs
After removing the skillet from heat, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill on top. Cover the skillet once again and let it rest for 5 minutes, giving the feta a moment to soften and the herbs to release their fresh aroma, making your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe truly irresistible.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill right before serving not only brightens the dish’s look but brings a refreshing, herbal lift to balance the rich, savory flavors. Don’t shy away from extra crumbled feta for a richer mouthfeel and tangy finish.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, warm pita bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables can complement the flavors wonderfully. A dollop of tzatziki also adds a cool and creamy contrast that’s authentic and delicious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe in a rustic cast iron pan placed right on the table. Alternatively, spoon the mixture into individual bowls and garnish with lemon wedges for an added burst of brightness. It’s as inviting visually as it is flavorful, perfect for cozy dinners and casual get-togethers alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.
Freezing
Feel free to freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, avoid freezing the feta cheese; instead, add fresh feta after reheating for the best flavor and creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if needed to keep the rice moist. Top with fresh herbs and a little feta again to revive all the wonderful flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, but breasts are leaner and cook just as tender if careful not to overcook.
Is there a substitute for Kalamata olives?
If you don’t have Kalamata olives on hand, black olives or green olives can be a good substitute. Just choose pitted varieties and adjust quantity to taste, keeping in mind Kalamata offers a unique, rich flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and increase the vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying vegetarian Mediterranean Rice Skillet.
What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this recipe because it cooks up fluffy and light, soaking up the broth without getting mushy. Avoid quick-cooking or instant rice varieties for best results.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare components like chopping vegetables or seasoning the chicken ahead of time. However, for the freshest flavor and texture, it’s best to cook the skillet dish just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight go-tos because it brings together such vibrant, comforting flavors while being incredibly simple to make. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it out and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen. Trust me, it’s going to become a staple in your recipe rotation before you know it!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
A flavorful Mediterranean-inspired chicken and rice skillet featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic herbs, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny Kalamata olives, all cooked together in one pan for a delicious and easy-to-make dinner.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
Produce
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Pantry
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Dairy
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and smoked paprika, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Toast rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to slightly toast the rice and enhance its flavor.
- Add liquids and return chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Return the browned chicken pieces to the skillet, then add the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 18–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish and rest: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill over the top, then cover and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Make sure to cover the skillet tightly during simmering to cook the rice evenly.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure the chicken broth used is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
