This Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe is a one-pan wonder packed with tender chicken thighs, golden yellow rice, and bold, zesty spices. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s the perfect family dinner for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend meals.
Let’s talk about comfort food with a touch of sunshine. There’s something magical about Mediterranean flavors—the warm spices, zesty lemon, and fresh herbs can take a simple meal from “meh” to memorable. This Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe is one of those go-to dishes that’s always a hit in my house.
If you’ve ever found yourself stuck wondering what to cook that’s both flavorful and fuss-free, this one’s for you. It’s made in just one skillet (hello, easy clean-up!) and has the kind of savory, aromatic goodness that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Plus, it brings together pantry staples in a way that feels just a bit more special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a warm hug in a bowl. If you’re craving a southern twist, you might also enjoy this Southern Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Main Ingredients (with Mini Descriptions)
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe a winner:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb. Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs – Juicy, flavorful, and quick-cooking.
- 1 ½ tsp. Dried Oregano – Earthy and classic in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 1 tsp. Dried Parsley – Adds subtle herbiness.
- 1 tsp. Paprika – For a mild smoky flavor.
- 1 tsp. Salt & ½ tsp. Pepper – Essential for balance.
- 1 Lemon, Juiced (~¼ cup) – Bright, tangy acidity.
- 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil – The base of all Mediterranean cooking.
For the Yellow Rice:
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish – A fresh, green finishing touch.isfying.
- 1 cup Jasmine or Basmati White Rice – Fluffy, aromatic, and perfect for absorbing flavor.
- 2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth – Rich, savory depth.
- 2 Tbsp. Unsalted Butter – For extra richness.
- ½ cup Diced Onion (White or Yellow) – Sweet and fragrant.
- 4 Garlic Cloves, Minced – Because garlic makes everything better.
- ½ tsp. Turmeric & ½ tsp. Cumin – Warm spices that give the rice its gorgeous color and flavor.
- Pinch of Cinnamon – Just a whisper of warmth.
- Fresh Parsley for Garnish – A fresh, green finishing touch.
Tasty garnish ideas: Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, fresh parsley, a bit of lemon zest, and cherry tomatoes.
Additional Ingredients & Substitutions
Looking for something bolder? Try our zesty Orange Chicken and Rice Recipe. Want to switch things up a little? No problem—here are some ideas:
- Chicken Breast: If you prefer leaner cuts, swap thighs for chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them.
- Brown Rice: A healthier grain option, though it takes longer to cook.
- Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the rice for extra color and nutrition.
- Spices: No turmeric? A bit of saffron or curry powder can give a similar color and vibe.
- Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano or parsley on hand, even better—just double the quantity.
The best part? This Mediterranean chicken rice recipe is super forgiving. You can tweak it based on what you have in your kitchen. For more ideas using chicken and rice, check out our cozy Forgotten Chicken and Rice Recipe.
Expert Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe
As someone who’s been making dinner for a family of five for decades, I’ve picked up a few tricks. Here’s how to make your Mediterranean chicken rice recipe foolproof:
- Marinate for Flavor: Even 15 minutes in the marinade makes a big difference. If you’ve got time, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours.
- Use a Wide Skillet: A roomy pan helps the chicken sear beautifully without overcrowding, and the rice cooks evenly.
- Brown the Chicken First: Don’t skip the sear! It locks in juices and adds golden crusty bits to the pan—aka flavor gold.
- Toast the Rice: Before adding the broth, stir the rice into the buttery onions and spices for a minute or two. This adds a nutty depth.
- Let it Rest: Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5–10 minutes. It helps the rice finish steaming and stay fluffy.
- Fresh Lemon Zest: A bit of lemon zest at the end brightens the whole dish.
- Taste as You Go: A dash more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make all the difference.
These tips aren’t fancy—they’re just the kind of small adjustments that make a big impact. And if you’re a rice cooker fan, this roundup of Rice Cooker Chicken Recipes is worth bookmarking.
Recommended Techniques for Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe
To make this recipe a breeze, follow these simple strategies:
- Evenly Dice the Onion: Uniform pieces cook more evenly and don’t overpower bites.
- Mince the Garlic, Don’t Crush: You want it finely chopped so it blends into the dish.
- Use Tongs for Chicken: Helps with clean flipping while getting a good sear.
- Deglaze with Lemon Juice: After searing the chicken, pour in lemon juice to scrape up the flavorful browned bits.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let sit while you prep the rice (or marinate longer if time allows).
- Sear the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add a splash of oil, then sear chicken thighs 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
- Start the Rice: In the same pan, add butter and sauté diced onions for 2–3 minutes. Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. Cook for 30 seconds.
- Toast the Rice: Add rice to the skillet and stir to coat in the spiced butter mixture for 1–2 minutes.
- Simmer Everything: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Finish & Serve: Nestle the chicken thighs back on top of the rice. Cover and let rest off heat for 5 minutes. Fluff rice, sprinkle parsley, and serve.
Additional Guide: Variations & Tricks
Feeling creative? Here are some ways to personalize your Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Creamy Touch: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Olive Lovers: Toss in some sliced Kalamata olives for a briny burst.
- One-Pot Meal: Add chopped zucchini or artichoke hearts with the rice to round out the dish.
And hey, don’t be afraid to double the batch—it makes awesome leftovers!
FAQs About This Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe
Jasmine and Basmati are both great. Just avoid sticky or short-grain rice for this one. Looking to try brown rice instead? Here’s a tasty collection of Chicken and Brown Rice Recipes to explore.
Many Mediterranean restaurants use Basmati rice or a long-grain white rice that’s lightly seasoned with spices like turmeric, cumin, and sometimes saffron for that signature golden hue.
Typical Mediterranean seasonings include oregano, parsley, paprika, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil—just like in this recipe!
It’s all about the marinade! Greek chicken usually includes lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like oregano, which tenderize the meat and pack it with flavor.
Conclusion
If you’ve been craving something cozy yet vibrant, this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Recipe just might be your new weeknight hero. It’s full of feel-good ingredients, comes together in one pan, and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy little bistro—minus the bill.
I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. Try it out, and let me know how it goes! Did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear about it. If you’re in the mood to explore more global flavors, check out our Japanese Chicken Fried Rice Recipe or this fun Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl Recipe.
Until next time, happy cooking from my Florida kitchen to yours.
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb. Chicken Thighs boneless, skinless (or ~5 chicken thighs)
- 1 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. dried parsley
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1 lemon juiced (~1/4 cup)
- 1 Tbsp. Olive oil
For the yellow rice:
- 1 cup Jasmine or Basmati white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- 2 Tbsp. butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup white onion diced (or yellow onion is ok too!)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp. turmeric
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- fresh parsley for garnish
For garnish:
- cherry tomatoes
- Kalamata olives
- crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine dried oregano, dried parsley, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, sear the marinated chicken thighs until browned on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, and a pinch of cinnamon. Cook until fragrant.
- Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the spices. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them on top of the rice. Cover the skillet and cook over low heat for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
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