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Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl with grilled chicken, olives, bell peppers, and lemon slices over fluffy rice

Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl

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  • Author: Aneta
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl is bursting with juicy grilled chicken, fluffy rice, sweet bell peppers, tender zucchini, olives, and fresh herbs. An easy one-pan meal packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings!

Ingredients

Scale

  • Chicken:

    • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)

    • 1 tsp dried oregano

    • 1 tsp smoked or sweet paprika

    • ½ tsp ground cumin

    • Salt and black pepper, to taste

    • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)

  • Vegetables:

    • 1 medium onion, chopped

    • 1 red bell pepper, chopped

    • 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

    • 3 cloves garlic, minced

    • 1 medium zucchini, chopped

  • Rice:

    • 1.5 cups long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)

    • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

  • Garnish:

    • Fresh parsley, chopped

    • Lemon wedges

    • Optional: pitted olives, crumbled feta cheese, cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prep Ingredients:
    Chop onion, bell peppers, zucchini, and garlic. Set aside.

  2. Season Chicken:
    Rub chicken with oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.

  3. Sear Chicken:
    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high. Sear chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

  4. Sauté Veggies:
    Add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté onion and bell peppers for 5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute.

  5. Toast Rice:
    Stir in rice and cook 1–2 minutes.

  6. Add Broth:
    Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits.

  7. Return Chicken & Zucchini:
    Nestle chicken into rice. Add zucchini around chicken. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and rice is tender.

  8. Finish & Serve:
    Let rest 5 minutes. Fluff rice. Garnish with parsley, lemon wedges, and optional toppings.

Notes

Substitute vegetable broth and chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well for a lighter dish.
A squeeze of lemon before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
For extra Mediterranean flair, top with olives, feta, or cherry tomatoes.

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 35 mins
  • Category: Main course
  • Method: Stovetop / One Pan
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 540 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Find it online: https://chickenmagicrecipes.com/mediterranean-chicken-and-rice-bowl/