Marissa's MediterraneanA vibrant, one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken thighs, aromatic basmati rice, and a burst of salty olives and tangy lemons. Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and the smoked paprika.
Dry skin equals crispy skin! Don't skip the pat-down.
In a large oven-safe skillet or 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the dry rice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil. Stir to coat the rice grains.
Toasting the rice slightly with the oil and garlic before adding liquid adds a nutty depth.
Pour the chicken broth over the rice mixture. Nestled the seasoned chicken thighs into the rice, skin-side up. Scatter the lemon slices and olives around the chicken.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the chicken to cook through.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crispy and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.
If you want extra crispy skin, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes, but watch it closely!
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving straight from the pan.
This is a family favorite because it's virtually hands-off once it hits the oven. The trick to the perfectly tender chicken is nesting it right into the rice so it steams while the tops get crispy. If you have picky eaters, you can swap the olives for extra sun-dried tomatoes. Serve with a big dollop of Greek yogurt on the side!
Nutrition data is estimated and may not be fully accurate. This is not medical advice — consult a registered dietitian or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Prices shown reflect the estimated cost of the portion used in this recipe, not the full item price. Actual costs may vary by store and location.
Marissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chefMarissa's Mediterranean
@simplymediterranean
For moms that like Mediterranean. Simple and healthy
More from this chef