GreekDinner

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

This authentic Mediterranean chicken and rice skillet brings together the soul-warming flavors of traditional home cooking. Succulent chicken thighs are seared until golden, then nestled into a bed of fluffy rice infused with garlic, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme. Bell peppers and spinach add color and nutrition, while crumbled feta cheese and fresh lemon juice provide the signature tangy brightness. This complete meal in a single pan embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine - simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through careful layering of flavors. The dish captures the spirit of family gatherings where food brings people together, offering both comfort and nourishment in every bite.

Instructions

step by step

0/13 done

Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add diced onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Stir in white rice, coating it with the oil and aromatics. Toast for 2 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaves, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the rice mixture, skin-side up. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 25 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 25 minutes, scatter diced bell peppers over the rice. Re-cover and cook for 5 more minutes.
Remove from heat and add fresh spinach on top. Cover and let rest for 5 minutes until spinach wilts.
Remove bay leaves. Fluff rice gently with a fork, mixing in the wilted spinach.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish and crumble feta cheese on top.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately from the skillet.

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Skillet

4.4 (28)

A hearty Mediterranean-style skillet featuring tender chicken thighs, aromatic rice, and vibrant vegetables, all cooked together with traditional herbs and finished with tangy feta cheese.

medium

6 servings

Ingredients

0 of 17 checked

Main Protein

900 grams chicken-thigh, bone-in, skin-on

Base

1 1/2 cups rice-white, long grain, uncooked

Cooking Fat

3 tablespoons olive-oil

Aromatics

1 pieces onions, medium, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables

2 pieces tomatoes, large, diced
2 pieces bell-peppers, diced
3 cups spinach, fresh, packed

Finishing

3/4 cups cheese-feta, crumbled
1 pieces lemon, juiced

Seasonings

2 teaspoons oregano, dried
1 teaspoons thyme, dried
1 teaspoons paprika
2 pieces bay-leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground

Garnish

3 tablespoons parsley, fresh, chopped (optional)

Chef Tips

expert advice

•For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs which remain juicy and flavorful during the longer cooking time.

•If using chicken breasts, reduce cooking time by 5 minutes to prevent drying.

•The key to perfect rice is not lifting the lid during cooking - this traps steam necessary for even cooking.

•For a deeper flavor, substitute half the chicken broth with white wine.

•If you prefer spicier food, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the garlic.

•The dish is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free chicken broth.

•For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese and add extra lemon juice and olives for tang.

•Leftover rice can be repurposed into stuffed peppers or added to soups.

•To make this dish ahead, prepare through step 6, refrigerate, and finish cooking when ready to serve.

Greek

⭐ Highly Rated

30 minmedium