Description
This Mediterranean chicken and rice bake is a flavorful, easy-to-make one-pan meal that combines tender chicken thighs, aromatic rice, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, and tangy feta cheese. Infused with classic Mediterranean herbs and spices, it promises a wholesome, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Rice Mixture
- 1 cup (190g) long-grain rice
- 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sliced olives
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Spread Rice: Evenly spread the long-grain rice in the bottom of the baking dish as the base layer.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Stir the chicken broth together with minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper, then pour this mixture evenly over the rice.
- Add Vegetables: Distribute the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced olives evenly over the rice mixture to infuse flavor and texture.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs on top of the rice and vegetable mixture. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces to keep them moist and promote browning.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, then bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook and chicken to begin cooking.
- Add Feta Cheese: Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Finish Baking: Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the rice is tender.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Add spinach or artichokes for an extra boost of vegetables and added nutrition.
- Use brown rice as a healthier alternative, but increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving to add color and a fresh herbal note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
