If there’s one dish that truly captures the vibrant spirit of coastal cuisine, it’s the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet. This one-pan wonder weaves together juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and an exuberant crowd of vegetables and spices, creating a meal that’s bursting with color, brimming with flavor, and unbelievably satisfying. I love how the tangy olives, creamy feta, and zippy hit of fresh lemon make each bite feel like a getaway to sun-drenched shores. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean recipes or already a devotee, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is pure weeknight magic—a recipe destined for repeat status in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet comes down to simple, real ingredients that each add a burst of flavor, color, or texture. Even if your pantry isn’t stocked to the brim, these staples are likely already on hand, ready to come together for an incredibly delicious one-pan meal.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs hold up beautifully during simmering and soak up all those bold Mediterranean flavors.
- Olive oil: A must for authentic richness—use a good extra-virgin one for the best aroma and taste.
- Onion: Adds sweet, savory undertones that form the savory base of the skillet.
- Garlic: Minced garlic is essential for those earthy, aromatic notes that make every bite irresistible.
- Red bell pepper: A pop of color and gentle sweetness that brightens the finished dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with juiciness and a delightfully tangy edge, added toward the end for freshness.
- Long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas—rinsed so it’ll cook up fluffy and distinct.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds loads of savory depth without being overly salty.
- Dried oregano: Classic in Mediterranean cooking, oregano’s warmth brings everything together.
- Paprika: Brings subtle smokiness and a gorgeous flush of color to the rice.
- Ground cumin: Just a touch deepens the overall spiced flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the bright, fresh flavors.
- Black pepper: For gentle heat and lift.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny punch is a fabulous contrast to the juicy chicken and sweet vegetables.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled over top for irresistible creaminess and a tangy counterpoint to the herbs and spices.
- Fresh parsley: A shower of chopped parsley makes everything greener and fresher.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze at the end wakes up every single flavor in this skillet.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the chicken thigh pieces in an even layer. Brown them for five to six minutes, stirring occasionally so they get a bit golden on all sides. This step locks in moisture and develops incredible flavor. Once the chicken is lightly browned, scoop it out of the pan and set it aside—you’ll bring it back soon!
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
With the chicken set aside, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and the peppers are starting to soften. This aromatic trio is the foundation of your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet, setting the stage for deeper flavor.
Step 3: Toast the Rice and Spices
Add the rinsed rice directly to the skillet, along with the dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the grains are coated in olive oil and the spices turn fragrant. Toasting the rice like this before adding liquid helps it cook up fluffy and infuses every bite with those gorgeous Mediterranean aromas.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Next, return your browned chicken (plus any juices it released) back into the skillet. Give it all a gentle stir, cover the skillet tightly, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook undisturbed for eighteen to twenty minutes. This hands-off time is when the rice absorbs all the herby, savory goodness and the chicken becomes super tender.
Step 5: Finish with Tomatoes and Olives
After twenty minutes, check to ensure the rice is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed. Uncover, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives, then cover again for another two minutes. The tomatoes soften just enough and the olives release their punchy brininess, giving the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet its signature tang.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish your creation with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped parsley. Finally, squeeze the juice of a lemon over everything to brighten up the flavors. Serve it straight from the skillet and watch the dish disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet already shines with its medley of colors, but a few finishing touches really send it over the top. A flurry of fresh parsley looks beautiful, while extra feta cheese, a swirl of good olive oil, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts create a stunning and memorable presentation. A light dusting of Aleppo pepper is also lovely for a subtle kick!
Side Dishes
Although entirely satisfying on its own, the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is perfect alongside a crisp cucumber-tomato salad, warm pita bread, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and eggplant. Serve with a dollop of hummus or tzatziki for a complete feast that embraces the flavors of the region.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping generous portions into colorful shallow bowls or serve the skillet family-style right in the center of the table for a big, communal Mediterranean spread. For gatherings, spoon the chicken and rice into warm pita bread as a fun twist—or, make it the star of a mezze platter surrounded by pickled vegetables, dips, and stuffed grape leaves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit by the next day, making leftovers something to look forward to.
Freezing
This dish holds up nicely in the freezer, just skip the final garnishes until serving. Let the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for an easy, grab-and-reheat lunch or dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring back moisture, then warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat until steaming hot. The microwave works in a pinch too—cover to prevent drying out, and stir halfway through. Add fresh parsley, feta, and a squeeze of lemon after reheating for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs remain juicy and tender, chicken breast works perfectly well here. Just be careful not to overcook the breast pieces, as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
What other vegetables can I add?
You have so many options! Stir in a couple large handfuls of baby spinach or sliced zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. Roasted eggplant or artichoke hearts would be delicious, too—this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is wonderfully flexible.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes, the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check your chicken broth and spices if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, as sometimes additives sneak in.
Can I substitute brown rice?
Certainly! If using brown rice, increase the chicken broth to three cups and let the skillet simmer for thirty-five to forty minutes to ensure the grains become fully tender. Brown rice will add a chewier texture and a slight nutty note.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s quite mild and family-friendly, as written. If you enjoy a little more heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or top individual servings with chopped fresh chili before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is one of those honest-to-goodness recipes that never lets me down—a comforting skillet supper loaded with fresh, bold flavors. If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy as it is impressive, give this one a try and let it bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your own kitchen table!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, aromatic rice, and a variety of Mediterranean ingredients for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Skillet Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Brown chicken for 5-6 minutes; set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add remaining oil, onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in rice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat rice with spices.
- Cook: Pour in broth, bring to a simmer. Return chicken, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes.
- Finish: Stir in tomatoes and olives, cook for 2 minutes. Garnish with feta, parsley, and lemon juice.
Notes
- Consider using chicken breasts or adding spinach/zucchini for variation.
- For brown rice, increase broth to 3 cups and cook longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
