Description
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, seasoned rice, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives. This hearty and wholesome dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata or black olives
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish.
- Prepare Rice Mixture: In a baking dish, combine the rice, chicken broth, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice mixture, nestling them gently into the dish.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes to cook the rice and chicken through.
- Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step ensures the chicken finishes cooking and the rice becomes tender with a slight crisp on top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving for added freshness and color.
Notes
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the chicken broth before baking to avoid undercooked rice.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add crumbled feta cheese before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
