Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken and Rice
This Mediterranean-inspired one-pot chicken and rice brings together tender, juicy chicken with fragrant rice infused with spices and vegetables. It’s a hearty family-style dish that’s easy to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor. The chicken is seared for a golden crust, then simmered together with seasoned rice until everything is perfectly cooked. Ideal for a comforting dinner or weekend gathering.
Time: 15 minutes prep + 40 minutes cooking = 55 minutes total
Ingredients
Chicken:
6–8 bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs or drumsticks)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Rice & Aromatics:
2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed)
1 onion, finely chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Sazón seasoning or adobo (optional, for depth)
Liquid:
4 cups chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
Oil:
2 tablespoons olive oil
Optional Additions:
½ cup peas or carrots
¼ cup green olives, sliced
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Season Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cumin.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken pieces skin-side down for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Toast Rice & Spices: Stir in the rice, cumin, oregano, paprika, and (if using) Sazón. Toast for 1–2 minutes until the rice is lightly coated in oil and spices.
Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Stir to combine.
Combine & Simmer: Return the chicken to the pot, nestling it into the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp: 75°C/165°F).
Finish: In the last 5 minutes, add peas, carrots, or olives if desired.
Serve: Fluff rice gently with a fork, garnish with parsley or cilantro, and serve warm.
Tips
Rinse the rice: Always rinse long-grain rice until the water runs clear. This helps prevent excess starch and keeps the rice fluffy.
Use bone-in chicken: It adds richer flavor to the rice as it cooks. If you prefer boneless, reduce cooking time slightly.
Don’t stir while cooking: Once you add the chicken back in and cover, avoid stirring so the rice cooks evenly.
Rest before serving: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes off the heat to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Variations
Protein Swap: Use chicken breast, turkey pieces, or even lamb for a different twist.
Seafood Version: Swap chicken for shrimp or fish. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add chickpeas, roasted eggplant, or mushrooms with vegetable broth.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes, harissa, or a diced chili pepper for some heat.
Herb Boost: Finish with fresh dill, mint, or basil for a brighter Mediterranean flavor.
Extra Veggies: Zucchini, tomatoes, or artichokes can be stirred in for more color and nutrition.
Golden Rice: Add a pinch of saffron or turmeric to give the rice a golden color and subtle depth.
Q&A
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but it will take longer to cook (about 40–45 minutes). Add extra broth if needed and keep an eye on the liquid level.
Q: How do I keep the rice from turning mushy?
Use the right rice-to-liquid ratio (generally 1 cup rice to 2 cups liquid), rinse the rice well, and avoid stirring once the cooking process begins.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. It reheats well on the stovetop or in the oven with a splash of broth to keep the rice moist.
Q: What can I serve with it?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of tzatziki.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Remove the chicken skin before cooking, use less oil, and load up on extra vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 6 servings)
(Approximate values depending on ingredients and portion sizes)
Calories: 430 kcal
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 720mg
Cholesterol: 95mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a wholesome, comforting dish that’s both flavorful and practical. The chicken infuses the rice with savory richness, while the aromatics and spices bring out a true Mediterranean warmth. With minimal cleanup and endless ways to customize, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist with vegetables, herbs, or spices, this dish will always feel like a comforting home-cooked favorite.