Experience Mediterranean bliss with this easy One Pot Greek Chicken Rice recipe! This delicious meal combines tender chicken thighs, fragrant basmati rice, cherry tomatoes, and vibrant olives, all cooked to perfection in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a hearty dish that your family will love.
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup basmati rice
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1½ cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup basmati rice - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1½ cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Juice of 1 lemon - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor. The chicken thighs give rich taste and texture. Basmati rice adds a light and fluffy base. The onion and garlic bring depth with their savory notes. The bell pepper and tomatoes add sweetness and freshness. The chicken broth infuses the dish with flavor. Dried oregano and thyme enhance the Mediterranean essence. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright zing. Kalamata olives provide a briny contrast, while feta cheese offers creaminess. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens the dish. You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer leaner meat. Quinoa or jasmine rice works as a rice alternative. If you lack fresh tomatoes, use canned diced tomatoes. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas. Feel free to mix up the herbs. Basil or rosemary can replace oregano and thyme. Don’t have olives? Capers can add a similar salty kick. Each swap can change the dish's flavor, so choose what you love. For the full recipe, check out the link. Start by gathering all your ingredients. This makes cooking easier and fun. You need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup basmati rice - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1½ cups chicken broth - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Juice of 1 lemon - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Make sure to wash your veggies. Dice the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes. This prep helps flavors blend well. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear for 5-7 minutes per side. Look for a nice golden color. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same pot, add the onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until it smells great. Stir in the rice and toast it for 2 minutes. Next, pour in the chicken broth, oregano, thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well and bring to a simmer. Nestle the chicken back in the pot. Add the cherry tomatoes and olives. Cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Once done, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for an extra 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork. Serve with crumbled feta and parsley on top. Keep an eye on the pot while it cooks. Set a timer for 20 minutes. This helps you avoid overcooking the rice or chicken. If the rice looks dry, add a bit more broth. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach 165°F for safe eating. Taste the rice before serving. If it needs more flavor, sprinkle a little salt or pepper. Enjoy this dish as a warm, comforting meal. Want to know more? Check out the Full Recipe for detailed steps! To boost the taste of One Pot Greek Chicken Rice, use fresh herbs. Fresh oregano or parsley will add a crisp note. You can also try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Remember that quality chicken broth makes a big difference. It brings rich flavor to the rice. Don’t forget the squeeze of lemon juice; it brightens the dish. Add it right before serving for the best effect. One common mistake is not searing the chicken properly. Searing adds flavor and color. Avoid overcooking the rice; it should be tender, not mushy. Make sure to let the dish sit covered after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together. Also, don’t skip the feta cheese; it adds a creamy, salty finish. Lastly, be careful with salt. The olives and feta are salty, so taste first. A large pot or Dutch oven is best for this recipe. It allows for even cooking and helps build flavor. A wooden spoon is great for stirring. Use a sharp knife for chopping veggies. A cutting board will keep your workspace clean. Don’t forget a measuring cup for rice and broth. For serving, a large spoon or ladle works well. For the full recipe, check out Mediterranean Bliss: One Pot Greek Chicken Rice. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using shrimp or fish for a lighter meal. For beef lovers, diced steak adds rich flavor. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they cook through. Each protein brings its own taste and texture, keeping your dish fresh and exciting. To make this dish vegetarian, skip the chicken and use chickpeas or tofu. Both options add protein and heartiness. For a vegan version, replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a full flavor. These changes keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets. Feel free to play with flavors! Add spices like cumin or paprika for warmth. Throw in fresh herbs like dill or mint for a bright touch. You can also toss in vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition. Try different olives or cheese types, like goat cheese, for a unique twist. Each small change can lead to a new favorite version of this dish. After you enjoy your One Pot Greek Chicken Rice, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the dish has cooled down first. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, reheat them on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm it evenly. To freeze your One Pot Greek Chicken Rice, place it in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. Freezing helps lock in flavors, so you can enjoy this dish later! For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Bliss: One Pot Greek Chicken Rice. This dish takes about 40 minutes to cook. You start with prep, which takes about 10 minutes. Then, cooking the chicken and rice takes around 30 minutes. You want the rice to be tender and the chicken cooked through. This timing makes it a quick and tasty meal for any night. Yes, you can use brown rice. However, brown rice takes longer to cook. It usually needs about 45-50 minutes. You must also adjust the liquid. Use about 2 cups of broth for every cup of brown rice. This change will keep the rice moist and flavorful. You can serve this dish with a fresh salad. A Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives pairs well. You might also enjoy tzatziki sauce on the side. It adds a cool and creamy touch. For something warm, try crusty bread or pita. These sides enhance the meal and make it even more delightful. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. This guide covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making One Pot Greek Chicken Rice. You learned about ingredient substitutes and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to avoid common mistakes for better results. Explore variations for added excitement and find ideal storage methods for leftovers. With practice, you'll master this dish. Each time you cook, you'll gain confidence and skill. Enjoy the journey of making and sharing this tasty meal. Your cooking will shine with each experience.](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/75105d0f-6974-40ed-9208-e7b87adf6647-250x250.webp)