Description
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup cherry tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
Season & Sear: Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to blister (about 3 minutes). Toss in spinach and cook until wilted.
Add Chickpeas & Rice: Stir in the chickpeas and cooked rice, mixing well. Lay fresh rosemary sprigs on top for extra flavor.
Combine & Garnish: Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh lemon slices before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 360 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof meal. First, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to ensure a proper sear. Season generously on both sides. When searing, do not move the chicken for the first 5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After removing the chicken, add a splash of water or broth to the hot skillet to deglaze and scrape up the flavorful browned bits before adding the tomatoes. This forms the flavor base for your veggies.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile skillet is a complete meal on its own. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of mixed greens instead of with the rice mixed in. Accompany it with warm pita bread or crusty baguette for dipping. A simple side of tzatziki sauce or a dollop of Greek yogurt complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly. For a refreshing contrast, pair with a crisp cucumber and red onion salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.
How-to Summary
In summary, this one-pan dish involves searing seasoned chicken, then sautéing tomatoes and spinach in the same skillet. You then combine everything with pre-cooked rice and chickpeas, finishing with fresh herbs, feta cheese, and lemon. The entire process takes about 30 minutes for a healthy, balanced dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work wonderfully and may be more forgiving, as they stay juicier. Adjust cooking time slightly as needed.
How can I make this recipe meal-prep friendly?
This dish stores and reheats well. Divide into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese, dairy-free alternatives, or even a sprinkle of kalamata olives for a similar salty, briny flavor profile.
Is the rice absolutely necessary?
No, you can omit the rice for a lower-carb version. Consider adding extra chickpeas or serving the chicken and veggie mixture over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
My rice is clumping when I stir it in. What did I do wrong?
This usually happens if the rice is overcooked or too warm. Use slightly al dente, cooled rice and fluff it with a fork before adding it to the skillet to prevent clumping.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Crowding the Skillet: Sear the chicken in batches if your skillet is small. Overcrowding steams the chicken instead of creating a sear.
- Overcooking the Spinach: Add the spinach last and only wilt it for 30-60 seconds. Overcooked spinach becomes slimy and loses its vibrant color.
- Using Cold Rice Straight from the Fridge: Very cold rice can cool the whole dish. Let it sit out for 10-15 minutes or reheat it slightly before adding.
- Skipping the Deglazing Step: Not using liquid to lift the fond (browned bits) from the pan after cooking the chicken means missing out on deep flavor.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is more than just a quick dinner; it’s a vibrant, nutritious, and flavorful journey to the Mediterranean coast, all made in one pan. By mastering the simple sear and sauté technique and following the tips provided, you can consistently create a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 30 minutes. It’s a flexible recipe that invites customization, making it a perfect staple for your weekly rotation. Enjoy the process and the delicious, healthy results.