Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
"You’ve probably had a palate for Mediterranean food from various food chains but have you ever tried making it yourself? This is a recipe of Mediterranean Chicken and Rice that I’ve developed after tasting it at a handful of places. "
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Serves : 2-3
Preparation Time : 20 minutes
Cooking Time : 20 minutes
Total Time : 40 minutes
Allergens:
What makes Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Healthy?
The Mediterranean Diet is believed to be one of the most healthy diets. This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe has equal parts nutrition and deliciousness. Loaded with protein filled breast, this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice checks the box for healthy. With a cup of carbohydrates, this meal becomes wholesome and filling. Salads on the side is always a better choice as it brings fiber, Vitamin A, C, K, Folate and many other essential nutrients based on the greens that you choose. Having it with Hummus on the side can take your meal to the next level, as it is exceptionally benefitting in detoxifying the body, offering insoluble fibers and keeping your insulin in check.
Ingredients to make Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
2 Chicken Breast
4 tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Black Pepper Powder
1 tsp Paprika
1 tsp Cumin Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 Lemon, juiced
White Vinegar, a dash
1 tbsp Butter
1 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 cup Basmati Rice
2 cups Chicken Stock
Salt (to taste)
½ Red Onion, Finely sliced
½ Tomato, Finely chopped
Cilantro or Parsley, roughly chopped
How to make Mediterranean Chicken and Rice
Step 1 : Cut up the Chicken Breast into cubes of your desired size. (I’m doing 2” cubes in the recipe)
Step 2 : In a large mixing bowl, to the cubed breast, add 2 tbsp of Olive Oil, 1 tsp Black Pepper powder, Salt and Pepper, Paprika, Cumin, Garlic and Onion Powders with juice of one lemon and a dash of white vinegar. Cover and put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour.
Step 3 : In a skillet, add Olive oil and drop in the chicken and let it cook until charred on the outside. The charring brings immense flavour to the chicken.
Step 4 : Wash the Basmati Rice under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Step 5 : In a pot, add Butter and turmeric powder. Add in the washed Basmati Rice. Give it a good mix.
(Note : I prefer to soak the Basmati Rice for at least 15 minutes before cooking for a fluffy, soft texture but you can also cook it right away)
Step 6 : Now add Chicken Stock to the pot and add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 7 : Cook uncovered till you can see no stock on top, on medium-high heat.
Step 8 : Now turn to low heat and cover it to cook until all the chicken stock has dried up and you are left with soft aromatic rice.
Step 9 : To make spicy onions, Slice Red onions thinly and add Paprika Powder and a generous squeeze of a lemon.
Step 10 : To make a quick Tomato Salad, Dice up some tomatoes and add cilantro.
What to Substitute in Mediterranean Chicken and Rice?
You can turn the rice bowl into a Pita sandwich too. Just fill the juicy chicken, tomato salad, spicy onions and the sauces of your choice in a Pita Pocket and you’re good to go!
What to Pair Mediterranean Chicken and Rice with?
Some great sauces that go with Mediterranean Chicken and Rice are Sriracha Sauce, the hummus dip or the tzatziki sauce. Drizzle plentiful all over the assembled dish or have it on the side, it brings out great flavor and a burst of piquancy.