Description
One Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is a vibrant and wholesome meal that combines juicy chicken thighs, fluffy long grain rice, and bright Mediterranean vegetables simmered together in a flavorful broth with fragrant herbs. This easy-to-make dish offers a balanced, colorful, and comforting dining experience inspired by Mediterranean flavors, perfect for family meals or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs, skin-on
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Herbs and Additions
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Preparing the Aromatics and Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then brown on both sides until golden, sealing in juices and developing flavor.
- Adding the Vegetables and Herbs: Add red bell peppers and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir in fresh parsley and oregano, coating ingredients with their fragrant oils. Pour in vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar; mix to create a lively base.
- Incorporating the Rice and Broth: Add the rice to the pan and gently stir with the vegetables and aromatics. Pour in vegetable broth ensuring rice is completely submerged. Sprinkle natural gelling agent if using for a creamy texture.
- Simmering Until Perfect: Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Let simmer undisturbed for 20 to 25 minutes until rice is tender, liquid absorbed, and chicken is fully cooked. Allow the dish to rest covered for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Do not stir the rice after adding broth to avoid mushiness.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor more than dried; if using dried, use half the amount and add earlier.
- Optionally, toast rice briefly before adding liquid for a subtle nutty flavor.
- Allow the dish to rest off heat to let flavors meld fully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, one pan meal, chicken and rice, healthy dinner, easy recipe, meal prep
