Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Mediterranean food is well known for its radiant flavors, fresh components, and health benefits. Among the standout dishes that encapsulate this essence is Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also filled with nutrition and flavor, which makes it a great weeknight meal or even a meal to wow your guests. In this comprehensive dish, we shall take you through the step by step procedure of causeing this to be tasty dish while checking out recommendations, variations, and health information.
Step by step Instructions
Step one: Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is essential for infusing taste. In a big dish, combine the coconut oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, sodium, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined. Include the chicken tits to the marinade, ensuring they truly are fully covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate within the fridge for at the very least thirty minutes (or as much as 4 hours for deeper flavor).
Action 2: Prepare the Rice
Although the chicken is marinating, you are able to prepare the rice. Within a medium saucepan, temperature a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Include the sliced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it becomes clear. İnclude the diced bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Next, include the rice into the saucepan and stir it to the vegetables, letting it toast for about 2 mins. This will enhance the taste associated with rice. Pour in the chicken broth, and period with sodium and black colored pepper. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then reduce the temperature to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately a quarter-hour, or before the rice is cooked together with liquid is soaked up.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken has actually marinated, temperature a big skillet or barbecue grill cooking pan over medium-high temperature. Put in a drizzle of olive oil towards the cooking pan. Take away the chicken through the marinade, allowing any extra to drip off, and put it in the hot pan. Cook the chicken for around 6-7 minutes per side, or until it really is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Eliminate the chicken from the skillet and allow it to sleep for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.-
Step: Combine and Serve
When the rice is cooked, fluff it by way of a fork and stir into the halved cherry tomatoes. This will add freshness to the dish. To serve, place a good information of this rice blend for each dish, top with sliced chicken, and sprinkle with sliced fresh parsley. For an extra touch of taste, you can add crumbled feta cheese and serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Given that your Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is ready, dig in! This meal is not only satisfying additionally aesthetically appealing with its colorful veggies and fresh herbs.
Tips for best Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Quality Ingredients: The quality of one’s ingredients can somewhat impact the flavor. Utilize fresh, organic veggies and top-notch essential olive oil for the greatest outcomes.
Variations: Take a moment to modify the recipe by adding other Mediterranean staples like olives, artichokes, or spinach. You can substitute chicken with other proteins, such as for example shrimp or tofu, for a vegetarian choice.
Cooking Method: For a far more flavorful chicken, consider grilling or roasting it into the oven rather than pan-searing. Baking at 400°F for approximately 25-30 moments will yield juicy outcomes.
Dish Prep: This dish is good for meal preparation. You possibly can make a larger group and store individual portions in airtight pots for simple lunches or dinners through the entire week.
Storage: Leftovers are stored in the ice box for as much as 3 days. Reheat into the microwave or in the stovetop, ıncluding a splash of broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I utilize brown rice in place of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be utilized, however it requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the chicken broth quantity and cooking period appropriately, as brown rice usually takes about 40-45 moments to cook.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, veggie broth or even water can be used, although making use of broth will offer a richer taste.
3. Can I make this meal beforehand?
Yes, it is possible to prepare the rice and marinate the chicken on a daily basis ahead of time. Just store them independently in the ice box and cook as you prepare to serve.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this meal is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free rice and ensure that any packed ingredients (want broth) are labeled gluten-free.
5. How can I allow it to be spicier?
If you prefer a bit of temperature, then add crushed red pepper flakes towards the marinade or sauté sliced jalapeños with all the veggies.
Summary
This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is a delicious and naturally healthy way to benefit from the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean food. Having its easy planning and delightful mix of ingredients, it is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Go ahead and try out the ingredients and then make it your own, ensuring that every bite is really a party of taste.
Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Mediterranean food is well known for its radiant flavors, fresh components, and health benefits. Among the standout dishes that encapsulate this essence is Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also filled with nutrition and flavor, which makes it a great weeknight meal or even a meal to wow your guests. In this comprehensive dish, we shall take you through the step by step procedure of causeing this to be tasty dish while checking out recommendations, variations, and health information.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken legs or tits
- 1 cup long-grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
- 2 glasses chicken broth
- 1 moderate onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried out oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- Liquid of just one lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, sliced (for garnish)
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step one: Ready the Chicken
Season the chicken upper thighs or tits with sodium, pepper, oregano, thyme, and cumin. - Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Inside a huge skillet, temperature 2 tablespoons of olive-oil over medium-high temperature.
Add the experienced chicken and sear for about 4-5 mins for each part, until golden-brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and put aside. - Step Three: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, include the rest of the tablespoon of essential olive oil.
İnclude the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for around 3-4 mins, or until softened.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another min until fragrant. - Step four: Cook the Rice
Stir into the rice, chicken broth, chickpeas, and cherry tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Get back the seared chicken towards the skillet, nestling it in to the rice combination.
Protect the skillet and lower the heat to low. Allow it prepare for about 20 mins, or through to the rice is tender plus the chicken is prepared through. - Step 5: Finish and Offer
Once cooked, take away the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice within the dish.
Fluff the rice with a fork and change seasoning with salt-and-pepper if needed.
Garnish with sliced parsley or cilantro and crumbled feta mozzarella cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can include much more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for additional nutrition.
- This dish is made ahead of time and reheats well, which makes it perfect for meal preparation.
- Provide by having a side of pita loaves of bread or a fresh salad for the total Mediterranean meal.