Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Introduction

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish featuring juicy, herb-marinated chicken and aromatic rice infused with classic Mediterranean seasonings. It’s a one-pan wonder that brings together protein, grains, and fresh vegetables in a satisfying, balanced meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining, delivering bright flavors and wholesome ingredients your family and guests will love.

Why Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a Must-Try

The secret to this crowd-pleaser is the harmonious blend of zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs that elevate both the chicken and rice. Each bite bursts with savory goodness and hints of tang, balanced by tender vegetables and subtle spices. Plus, everything cooks in a single pan—making it simple to prepare and even simpler to clean up after.

Crafting the Perfect Mediterranean Marinade

At the heart of this dish is the marinade. Olive oil, garlic, oregano, and a splash of lemon juice transform ordinary chicken into a centerpiece that’s juicy and fragrant. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) so the flavors have time to meld and develop.

Building Flavorful Mediterranean Rice

Start the rice in the same pan you browned the chicken. Sauté onions and bell peppers for sweetness, then combine with rice, chicken broth, and a dash of warming spices like cumin and paprika. The rice soaks up all the delicious juices, resulting in a deeply aromatic and satisfying base.

Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

Present this dish family-style garnished with plenty of fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a creamy, tangy finish. Serve alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad, olives, or warm pita bread for a Mediterranean feast at home.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each portion offers balanced protein and complex carbs, rounded out by fresh produce. Expect approximately 450–500 calories per serving, depending on toppings and portion size—a wholesome main course for any day of the week.

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice (Recap)

With its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fluffy, flavor-infused rice, this one-pan meal is everything a weeknight dinner should be: satisfying, effortless, and packed with Mediterranean flair.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden; remove and set aside (chicken will finish cooking with the rice).
3. Start the Rice: In the same pan, add onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
4. Add rice, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir until rice is well coated with the spices and oil.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Nestle the seared chicken on top of the rice.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18–20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Remove pan from heat. Top with cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
8. Serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over, and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This dish is a fantastic choice for meal prep and weekly planning. Save and schedule this recipe to seamlessly integrate it into your meal plan. CookifyAI will generate smart shopping lists that merge ingredients from all planned recipes—making shopping and prepping effortless.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across all scheduled recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section
• Reduces duplicate purchases and helps avoid forgotten ingredients
• Makes batch cooking and weekly meal prep more organized and less stressful

Pro tip: When you plan multiple meals for the week, schedule your recipes to see overlapping ingredients. For example, if another dinner also requires fresh herbs or broth, your shopping list will automatically update with the correct amount—minimizing food waste and saving time.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (not including marinating)