One Pan Mediterranean Chicken And Rice
A flavorful and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant Mediterranean spices, all cooked in one pan for a simple and delicious experience.
Ingredients
Seasoning Mixture
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (sliced into 4 pieces) Thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp olive oil (plus more for pan)
- 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes) Quinoa or couscous can be substituted.
- 2 and 1/4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred) Vegetable broth can be used as a substitute.
- 1 piece bay leaf
- 1 inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 piece onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse and soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, drain, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric powder to create the seasoning mixture.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until transparent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, until fragrant.
Cook the Chicken
- Push the onion and garlic to the side of the pan.
- Add the sliced chicken breast and sprinkle 4 teaspoons of the seasoning mixture over it.
- Brown the chicken on both sides for about 5-6 minutes.
Combine Rice and Broth
- Stir the soaked rice into the pan, mixing it with the chicken, onion, and garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
Simmer the Dish
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan.
- Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.
Add the Peas
- Stir in the frozen peas and let sit for an additional 5 minutes off the heat to finish cooking.
Final Touches
- Discard the bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving.
- Drizzle with fresh lemon juice for the final burst of flavor.
Notes
Use a heavy-bottomed pan for even heat distribution. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender. Chicken broth can be low-sodium for better control over salt levels.