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Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe

A bright, one-pan chicken and rice skillet with tomatoes, olives, spinach, and lemon. Weeknight-simple, Mediterranean-bold.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.25 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1.5 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 3 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 14.5 oz diced tomatoes with juices
  • 0.5 cup sliced Kalamata olives
  • 2 cup baby spinach
  • 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and cumin. Sear until golden, about 4–5 minutes.
  • Stir in the onion and bell pepper. Cook until slightly softened, 3–4 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Mix in the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Toast for 1 minute.
  • Pour in the broth and tomatoes with juices. Scrape the pan and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and chicken is cooked, 18–20 minutes.
  • Fold in the olives and spinach. Cover briefly until the greens wilt, 1–2 minutes.
  • Stir in lemon juice. Top with feta and parsley. Rest 5 minutes, then fluff and serve.

Notes

Variation: Add chopped artichoke hearts with the olives, or swap spinach for chopped kale and simmer 2 extra minutes. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a brighter finish. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Mediterranean Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.