Mediterranean One Pot Mushroom Chicken and Rice

Mediterranean One Pot Mushroom Chicken and Rice

This hearty Mediterranean-inspired one pot dish combines juicy chicken, earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, and fluffy rice into a complete and satisfying meal. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner bursting with bold yet balanced flavors — perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

Protein & Base:

2 tablespoons olive oil

500g (1.1 lb) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

Salt and pepper, to taste

Vegetables & Aromatics:

1 small red onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 cup mushrooms, sliced (button, cremini, or portobello)

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

Grains & Seasonings:

1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color and warmth)

Optional Add-ins:

1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced

2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Crumbled feta, for garnish

Garnish:

Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Sear the Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sear for 4–5 minutes until golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Veggies:

In the same pot, add another tablespoon olive oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add bell pepper and cherry tomatoes; cook another 2 minutes.

Add Rice & Seasonings:

Stir in the rice, oregano, cumin, paprika, turmeric, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Toast everything together for 1 minute to enhance flavor.

Simmer the Dish:

Return the chicken to the pot. Pour in broth and lemon juice. Stir gently, bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Rest & Serve:

Turn off the heat and let it rest covered for 5–7 minutes. Stir in olives (if using), fluff rice, and garnish with fresh parsley and optional feta.

Tips & Variations

Protein Swaps

Chicken Thighs vs Breasts: Thighs are juicier and more forgiving in one-pot dishes. Use breasts if you prefer leaner cuts.

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and replace it with canned chickpeas, lentils, or cubed tofu.

Seafood Twist: Try adding shrimp during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking for a Mediterranean surf-and-turf version.

Rice Tips

Use long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine for a fluffier texture.

For brown rice, increase the broth to 2.5 cups and simmer time to 40–45 minutes.

Flavor Boosters

Stir in olive tapenade, capers, or a spoonful of pesto at the end for a rich umami depth.

Add fresh spinach in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.

For a smoky note, add roasted red pepper strips.

Cheese Additions

Garnish with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or grated parmesan.

For a creamier version, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt just before serving.

Q&A

Q: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

A: Yes! Just skip the searing step and add the shredded chicken during the last 10 minutes to warm through.

Q: How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

A: Avoid over-stirring once it simmers, and make sure to use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio (2.25:1 for white rice).

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?

A: Yes! Cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Values vary based on optional ingredients like cheese or olives.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean One Pot Mushroom Chicken and Rice is the ultimate example of a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner. With tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and herby rice all in one skillet, it offers a comforting meal that’s also balanced and nutrient-rich. Whether you serve it on a busy weeknight or prepare it for guests, this dish brings wholesome ingredients together in perfect harmony — with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!