Description
A vibrant one-pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice dish combining tender chicken thighs, fragrant herbs, fresh veggies, smoky turkey bacon, and fluffy rice. This quick, wholesome meal bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Grains
- 1 1/2 cups basmati or long grain rice
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (natural)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Turkey Bacon: Season the chicken thighs generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Cook each side for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden and the bacon is crisp. Remove both from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and aromatic. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften slightly and release their juices.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Spread the rice evenly across the pan and gently stir to coat the grains with the aromatic mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and lemon juice (natural). Stir lightly, then place the cooked chicken thighs skin-side up and the turkey bacon on top, ensuring the rice is submerged in liquid.
- Simmer to Perfection: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the dish simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and the chicken to finish cooking thoroughly. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain steam.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once all is cooked, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley and oregano over the dish for a bright and fresh flavor. Serve warm directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Avoid soggy rice by evenly spreading the rice and using just enough liquid to cover it.
- Brown the chicken skin well to add flavor and prevent sticking.
- Do not overuse tomatoes or broth to keep rice texture ideal.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to maximize flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking for flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, one pot meal, chicken and rice, easy dinner, smoky turkey bacon, fresh herbs
