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Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

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A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, aromatic spices, and fluffy rice, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 chicken breasts (sliced into 4 pieces)
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 2 and 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp garlic (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas
  • 1 cup rice (rinsed and soaked in water for 30 minutes)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, cumin, garlic powder, salt, paprika, and turmeric. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the pot. Sprinkle half of the prepared seasoning mix over the chicken, and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is browned on all sides.
  4. Add Rice and Liquid: Stir in the rinsed rice, the remaining seasoning mix, chicken broth, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Simmer: Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly.
  6. Add Peas: After 20 minutes, remove the lid and gently fold in the frozen peas along with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Cover and let sit for an additional 5 minutes to warm the peas and allow the flavors to meld.
  7. Fluff and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve the dish warm.

Notes

Use fresh spices for maximum flavor and ensure to soak the rice for the best texture.