Baked Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Recipe
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Chicken Breast
Servings: 4
Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
Description
If you’re looking for a delightful dish to impress your friends during a cozy evening gathering, look no further than this Baked Mediterranean Chicken and Rice. This recipe combines the tender juiciness of skinless chicken breasts with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean, all while allowing you the luxury of relaxing with a glass of wine as it cooks away in the oven. With aromatic garlic, savory olives, and rich sun-dried tomatoes nestled among fluffy rice, this dish is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 4 | Skinless chicken breasts |
| 2 | Tablespoons olive oil |
| 1 | Red onion, chopped |
| 1 | Clove garlic, minced |
| 3 | Cups long grain rice |
| 325 | Milliliters dry white wine |
| 400 | Grams tomatoes (passata) |
| 1 | Cup pitted black olives |
| 1 | Cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped |
| 8 | Fresh basil leaves |
| 1 | Grated Parmesan cheese |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 808.7 |
| Total Fat | 14.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 136.9 mg |
| Sodium | 551.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 85.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g |
| Sugars | 10.4 g |
| Protein | 63.8 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s ready for your Mediterranean chicken and rice.
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Season the Chicken: Generously season the skinless chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring that each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor.
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Brown the Chicken: In a flameproof casserole dish with a lid, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown them on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
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Sauté the Vegetables: In the same casserole, add the chopped red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn. Stir in the long grain rice, ensuring it becomes coated with the oil and infused with the flavors of the onion and garlic.
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Add Liquids and Other Ingredients: Pour in the dry white wine and passata (tomato puree) while stirring well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and then add the pitted black olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and half of the fresh basil leaves. Season the mixture again with salt and pepper to taste.
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Return the Chicken to the Dish: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the casserole, pushing them down into the flavorful rice and liquid mixture.
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Bake: Cover the casserole with its lid and place it in the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 45 minutes, during which time the chicken will cook through, and the rice will absorb the lovely flavors of the dish.
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Finish and Serve: Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Scatter the remaining fresh basil leaves over the top, along with a generous grating of Parmesan cheese and a final grinding of black pepper. Serve immediately, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy Your Mediterranean Feast
This Baked Mediterranean Chicken and Rice is not only a feast for the senses but also a straightforward dish that can bring friends and family together. Its vibrant colors and enticing aromas will create an inviting atmosphere as you all savor each bite. Cheers to delightful evenings filled with good food and great company!
