Description
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bake is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, seasoned rice, tomatoes, olives, and herbs. This wholesome and hearty dish combines savory Mediterranean flavors in a simple bake, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
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 black or Kalamata 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 evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Add Chicken: Nestle the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts on top of the rice mixture, ensuring the pieces are partially submerged for even cooking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to cook through.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender with a slightly golden top.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Add crumbled feta cheese before serving to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Ensure the rice is fully submerged in the chicken broth before baking to guarantee proper cooking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making this dish a great option for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
