Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken thighs (boneless or bone-in)
Rice and Vegetables
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ½ cup black or green olives (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Liquids and Seasonings
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the dish evenly.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a baking dish, mix together the rice, chicken broth, minced garlic, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to form the flavorful base for the chicken.
- Add Chicken and Oil: Place the chicken thighs evenly on top of the rice mixture and drizzle with olive oil to keep the chicken moist and enhance browning.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes to allow the rice to cook and the chicken to begin roasting.
- Add Feta Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the dish, and return to the oven to bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to melt the feta and brown the chicken.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid.
Notes
- Add zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Use brown rice as a healthier alternative; increase cooking time accordingly to about 60 minutes.
- Bone-in chicken can be used but may require slight adjustment of cooking time.
- Ensure the baking dish is properly covered with foil during the initial baking to keep moisture in.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
