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Easy One-Pot Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

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A quick and easy one-pot Mediterranean chicken and rice recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts with flavorful rice, olives, and fresh lemon for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (or basmati)
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat dry chicken breasts and season both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, careful not to burn.
  4. Stir in rice and toast lightly for 1-2 minutes until nutty aroma develops. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
  5. Nestle seared chicken breasts on top of rice mixture. Scatter olives and cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
  6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
  8. If rice is not tender after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth, cover, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes.

Notes

Do not lift the lid while the rice cooks to ensure proper steaming. If rice is still firm after cooking time, add a little more broth and cook longer. Searing the chicken well adds flavor and keeps it juicy. For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free broth. You can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot, Mediterranean, chicken, rice, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy, gluten-free

Find it online: https://sagestirs.com/easy-one-pot-mediterranean-chicken-and-rice-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/