If you’re craving something comforting, nutritious, and downright flavorful, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet needs to be on your dinner menu tonight. Bursting with juicy chicken thighs, vibrant tomatoes, tangy olives, and a sprinkle of feta cheese, this one-pan wonder brings the sunny charm of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen. Even better, you’ll love how the rice soaks up all the zesty herbs, spices, and lemon for unbeatable flavor in every bite. Gather your ingredients, and let’s turn an ordinary weeknight into a Mediterranean celebration!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet plays a special role, turning simple kitchen staples into a colorful, satisfying dish. Savor how Mediterranean flavors combine with everyday pantry items for a skillet meal that’s both straightforward and impressive.
- Chicken thighs: Tender and juicy, these soak up the spices beautifully for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken, creating the foundation for the skillet’s flavor.
- Dried oregano: Infuses each bite with classic Mediterranean earthiness—don’t skip this signature herb!
- Paprika: Provides a warm, subtle smokiness to balance the brightness of the lemon and tomatoes.
- Garlic powder: Layers a gentle, savory depth throughout the dish without overpowering it.
- Salt: Highlights all the natural flavors and brings everything together perfectly.
- Black pepper: Gives just enough mild heat to keep things interesting in every forkful.
- Long-grain white rice: The hearty base that captures all the juicy goodness and Mediterranean flavors.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory depth and turns the rice pillowy and aromatic as it cooks.
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and offer beautiful pops of color in the final dish.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny punch brings unmistakable Greek character—slice them for even flavor distribution.
- Red onion: A touch of sharpness and a hint of crunch, balancing the dish’s creamy, tender elements.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top, it melts into creamy pockets that highlight the Mediterranean flair.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens every bite with zesty tang, tying all the bold flavors together.
- Fresh parsley: Scattered over at the end for a burst of freshness and a dash of vivid green color.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with dried oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until they’re fully coated. Heating olive oil in your large skillet over medium-high, add the chicken and let it sizzle for around five to six minutes. You’re looking for a lovely golden brown sear on all sides. Once they look irresistible, set the chicken aside on a plate.
Step 2: Toast the Rice
Using the flavorful oil left in your pan, pour in the long-grain white rice. Give it a gentle stir for about a minute. This quick toasting step is such an underrated trick—it unlocks the rice’s nutty aroma and builds the base flavor for the Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet.
Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer
Now, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck on the pan. Bring this to a gentle boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it all simmer for about 15 minutes. The rice will soak up that fragrant broth and become beautifully tender.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Add Veggies
Take the lid off and tuck in those browned chicken pieces from earlier, alongside your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and finely chopped red onion. Cover the skillet again and let everything cook together for another five minutes, just until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through. You’ll start to smell that Mediterranean magic wafting through your kitchen.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice for a tangy sparkle of flavor. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley all over the top. Your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is now ready to impress!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the finishing touches—a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta and a flurry of fresh parsley bring color, freshness, and creamy bites that make your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet especially inviting. For a little extra pizzazz, add a few paper-thin lemon slices or a dusting of additional dried oregano.
Side Dishes
This one-pan meal is hearty on its own, but it absolutely shines with simple sides. Try serving with a crisp cucumber salad, warm pita bread, or even a dollop of tangy tzatziki. Grilled or roasted veggies also make a fantastic, effortless pairing alongside this chicken skillet.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, share-at-the-table vibe that looks just as good as it tastes. Alternatively, scoop generous portions into shallow bowls and top with a swirl of extra olive oil—the golden sheen will tempt everyone. If you’re aiming for elegance, try portioning into hollowed bell peppers or tomatoes for a Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet twist that’s overload on charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your skillet cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. They’ll keep perfectly in the fridge for up to three days and taste even better as the flavors meld together over time.
Freezing
If you want to meal-prep or save extra for later, pack cooled Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to two months—just be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply spoon the desired amount into a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water. Cover and warm over medium heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual servings, stopping to stir midway so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner substitute and will work beautifully in this recipe. Just be careful not to overcook them so they stay juicy and tender in your Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add an extra half cup of broth and simmer covered until the rice is tender; expect about 40 minutes total cook time.
Is this dish spicy?
No, this recipe is more savory and herbaceous than spicy. If you love a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning or sprinkle some on at the end.
What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, try green olives, Castelvetrano, or simply leave them out. Capers also add a lovely briny note as a substitute.
Can I make Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, use veggie broth, and keep the other add-ins for a Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian skillet that’s every bit as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Bringing sunshine and unbeatable flavor to your table, this Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is one of those dinners I return to again and again. It’s hearty, colorful, and amazingly easy—just one pan, forty minutes, and dinner is served! If you try this recipe, I promise, you’ll look forward to leftovers just as much as the first bite. Let your kitchen fill with irresistible Mediterranean aromas and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken & Rice Skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal that combines tender chicken with aromatic rice, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives for a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
For the Skillet:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season chicken with oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Rice: In the same skillet, add rice and stir to toast. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: Add browned chicken back to the skillet with tomatoes, olives, and onion. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice, and top with feta cheese and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
- For added flavor, mix in a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto before serving.
- This dish stores well and makes delicious leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
