Delicious One Pot Med Chicken Rice Easy Flavorful Recipe

As the sun dips below the horizon and the fragrant breeze wafts through my kitchen window, there’s a comforting warmth that envelops me. It’s during these quiet evenings that I find solace in the rhythm of cooking, and nothing warms the soul quite like a hearty, flavorful dish. One of my all-time favorites is this One Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. This recipe takes me back to my travels through the sun-drenched Mediterranean — every bite a reminder of beachside picnics and bustling markets filled with vibrant spices and fresh produce. Let me tell you, there’s something magical about throwing a bunch of ingredients into one pot and letting them come together to create a feast that’s not only simple but utterly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cleanup: It’s a one-pot wonder! Less mess means more time to relax.
• Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples and affordable chicken, this dish won’t break the bank.
• Comforting Flavors: A delightful blend of Mediterranean spices that sends your taste buds on a mini vacation.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: You can enjoy leftovers all week long — just reheat and savor!
• Customizable: Easily adapt to your tastes or dietary needs with different veggies and grains.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered!)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking should feel like a cozy hug, so let’s make this simple and enjoyable!

1. Sauté the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear each side until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Don’t worry if they’re not fully cooked through; they’ll finish cooking with the rice!
2. Add the Base: Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until your kitchen smells heavenly.
3. Mix in the Veggies: Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the onion-garlic mixture. I love how colorful this dish is — feels like summer in every bite! Let everything sauté together for a few minutes.
4. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring to combine. This is where the magic happens; those spices will coat the veggies and create a beautiful aroma that’ll make your stomach growl.
5. Incorporate the Rice: Pour the rinsed rice into the pot, mixing it well with the vegetables and spices. This step adds a lovely nuttiness to our dish, making it even more comforting.
6. Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release all those delicious brown bits stuck there. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the mix. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then cover, and reduce to a simmer.
7. Let It Cook: Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Don’t lift the lid too much; it’s hard to resist, but the steam is doing its magic! Keep an eye on it to ensure the rice doesn’t dry out.
8. Finishing Touch: After 20 minutes, check that the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through (it should reach 165°F or 75°C internally). If it needs more time, cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
9. Garnish and Serve: Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil for that extra pop of flavor. It’s such a pretty dish, and I can’t wait to dig in!

Pro Tips & Variations

Let’s get creative, shall we? Here are some fun twists:

• Swap the Protein: Feel free to use chicken breast, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version!
• Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a sprinkle of turmeric for a golden hue (and extra health benefits).
• Vegetable Variety: Get sneaky and toss in your favorite greens, like spinach or kale, towards the end of cooking for added nutrients.
• Rice Options: While basmati or jasmine is divine, you can also use quinoa or couscous depending on what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

When I serve this dish, I like to pair it with a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Maybe even some warm, crusty bread to soak up all that savory goodness! For a truly Mediterranean vibe, a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage Tips

Leftovers? Yes, please! This dish stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen things up.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Let it cool before sealing it up. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Sure! Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You might need to increase the cooking time and add more liquid, so keep an eye on it!

What can I do if my rice is too soggy?

If you find your rice is soggy, it may have absorbed too much liquid. Next time, try to measure precisely or uncover the pot and let it cook a bit longer to allow some moisture to escape.

Is it okay to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Adding more veggies is a great way to boost the nutritional value of this dish. Just be cautious not to overwhelm it with too much moisture, so keep things balanced.

Can this be made in advance?

Definitely! This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just reheat it gently before serving.

Conclusion

I hope you love making this One Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice as much as I do! It’s such a delightful journey to bring the essence of the Mediterranean right into your home. If you tried the recipe, I would love to hear your thoughts or any creative twists you added! Let’s celebrate the beauty of cooking together — happy cooking!

Delicious One Pot Med Chicken Rice Easy Flavorful Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor this easy one pot Mediterranean chicken rice recipe Packed with flavor its a simple dish for a delightful meal Perfect for busy nights

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup basmati or jasmine rice, rinsed

2 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini, sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear each side until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.

Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds.

Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the onion-garlic mixture. Let everything sauté together for a few minutes.

Sprinkle in the oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin, stirring to combine.

Pour the rinsed rice into the pot, mixing it well with the vegetables and spices.

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom. Nestle the chicken thighs back into the mix. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer.

Allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the rice doesn’t dry out.

After 20 minutes, check that the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. If it needs more time, cover and let it cook for another 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

A one-pot dish that combines tender chicken and fragrant rice infused with Mediterranean spices, making for a hearty and flavorful meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, easy recipes, healthy recipes