Are you in the mood for an easy dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table? Our Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe is perfect! With less than 15 minutes of hands-on time, you can serve up a beautifully aromatic meal that pairs tender, juicy chicken with fluffy rice, spinach, and feta.
Today, I'm thrilled to share with you a dish that's always a hit at our family dinner table: Mediterranean Chicken and Rice.
This recipe is a delicious blend of juicy chicken paired with fluffy rice and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Looking for more CrockPot recipes that make dinner easy? Try these Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches, these Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa and this Chicken Tortilla Casserole. I also couldn't survive without this Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Recipe!
Ingredients
- Large Onion: I recommend a white or yellow onion, but you could use a red onion if you like.
- Minced Garlic: If you're out, a small amount of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning: No Italian Seasoning? Mix some dried oregano, thyme, and basil.
- Rice: I recommend using a long grain white rice.
- Chicken Broth: Adds depth and richness to the rice. Vegetable broth may also be used.
- Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs: You want boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste.
- Sour Cream: Greek yogurt or cream cheese could also be used.
- Baby Spinach: Kale makes a great substitute if you’re looking for a bit more texture.
- Tomato: Diced bell peppers can offer a similar pop of color and sweetness.
- Crumbled Feta: Goat cheese can be used for a creamier texture.
- Lemon (juice and zest): Brightens up the dish with a touch of acidity.
Tips and Tricks
- Start with the Right Rice: For the perfect Mediterranean Chicken and Rice, I always go for Jasmine rice or Basmati rice. Wash the rice under cold water until it runs clear to eliminate any excess starch. This means fluffier rice every time!
- The Secret Ingredient – Lemon Zest: One thing I've discovered that really elevates this dish is adding lemon zest along with the juice. So don't skip this! It adds an unbeatable fresh zing that brightens the entire meal. Plus, it smells heavenly while cooking!
- Garnish Galore: Before serving, I love to add an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, a bit more lemon juice, and a handful of fresh herbs. (I like fresh parsley.) Kalamata olives, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes are also a nice way to finish this dish.
- Family-Friendly Customization: When cooking for the little ones, I sometimes substitute the baby spinach with peas for a milder taste they prefer. It isn't really Mediterranean, but it worked when my kids were little.
More Mediterranean-Inspired Recipes
- If you love our Mediterranean rice and chicken, you'll adore the simple yet exquisite taste of Mediterranean Chicken Breast, seasoned to perfection.
- For a refreshing side that's a hit at summer picnics, try whipping up the light and tangy Mediterranean Quinoa Salad; it's a real crowd-pleaser!
- Our Vegetarian Mediterranean Bowl is packed with vibrant veggies and hearty chickpeas, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal any day of the week.
- Mediterranean Orzo is an absolute dream, blending tender orzo pasta with rich, bold Mediterranean flavors.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice with Feta and Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 large onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 2 cups rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breast or thighs
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- 6 ounces baby spinach chopped
- 1 tomato seeded and diced
- 8 ounces crumbled feta
- 1 lemon juice and zest
Instructions
- Spray a large skillet with avocado oil. Add onion and cook over medium high heat for 10 minutes. Add garlic and Italian seasoning and cook for one more minute.
- Transfer to a slow cooker and add rice, chicken, broth, salt and pepper.
- Cook 4 to 6 hours on low. Remove chicken from cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Shred. Return chicken to slow cooker.
- In a small bowl whisk together sour cream and broth. Add to slow cooker along with the spinach, tomato and feta.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes, until spinach is wilted. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
Royce Brown
Just a quick question--------do I use white rice for this recipe? Is it really 2 cups of uncooked rice added to the slow cooker? Thanks for your amazing recipes. This one just needs some clarification for me. Thanks.
Wendy Polisi
The uncooked rice goes into the slow cooker and yes, I used white rice.
Enjoy!
*Wendy Polisi*
*https://wendypolisi.com *
Shannon Graham
I've always loved a good chicken and rice dish.
Toni
I never use white rice, only organic brown or black, but I was wondering the possibility of using cauliflower rice, just adding it later in the cooking process. What do you think?
Linda
Hi. Just ran across this. Did you try it with cauliflower rice?
Wendy Polisi
I have not tried it with cauliflower rice!