Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice Recipe

Introduction

A Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice Recipe brings aromatic spices, tender chicken, and hearty rice together for a meal that’s deeply comforting and satisfying. Famous for its vibrant flavors and inviting fragrance, this classic dish is beloved for its ability to feed a crowd, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or festive gatherings. Every bite transports you to the heart of Middle Eastern cuisine, where humble ingredients are transformed into something truly special.

Deliciously Unique Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

What sets this recipe apart is the use of a signature blend of spices—such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon—that infuse the chicken and rice with warmth and depth. The rice absorbs rich chicken juices and fragrant aromatics as it cooks, while optional garnishes like toasted nuts and fresh herbs provide both texture and visual flair.

Preparing the Flavorful Chicken Marinade

The key to succulent, flavorful chicken is a well-balanced marinade. Yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and spices tenderize the meat and impart irresistible flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if possible) for best results. This simple step ensures your chicken is juicy and packed with Middle Eastern flair.

Cooking the Rice with Aromatics

The rice, often long-grain or basmati, is sautéed in oil with onions and a sprinkling of the spice blend. This step allows the rice to take on a subtly nutty, aromatic character. Cooking the rice with the chicken means every grain is infused with savory juices and rich, spiced flavors.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice

Serve this hearty dish straight from the pot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley, slivered almonds, and a squeeze of lemon. Pair with cooling yogurt or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. For extra flavor, offer a side of garlicky tahini sauce or pickled vegetables.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings. Each portion contains about 500-600 calories, offering a nutritious balance of protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. It’s a wholesome dinner option that’s sure to satisfy.

Deliciously Unique Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice (Recap)

Combining spiced, marinated chicken and aromatic rice, this Middle Eastern classic is nourishing, flavorful, and ideal for both everyday meals and special occasions.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making grocery trips easier and faster.

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine yogurt, half the lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, half the garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon coriander, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Add chicken pieces, turn to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining garlic and spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper), cooking until fragrant (1 minute).
3. Brown the Chicken: Move onions to the side of the pot. Remove excess marinade from the chicken and add pieces to the pot. Brown chicken on all sides (about 3-4 minutes per side) to build flavor. Remove and set aside.
4. Toast the Rice: Add rinsed rice to the onions; sauté for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb oil and spices.
5. Simmer: Return chicken to the pot, nestling into the rice. Pour chicken broth over everything. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes, until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
6. Rest and Garnish: Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in remaining lemon juice. Garnish with parsley, nuts, and lemon wedges.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice Recipe is excellent for meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe to organize your dinner menu, ensure you have all ingredients on hand, and streamline your weekly cooking routine.

Planning Benefits:

• Aggregates ingredients across all planned recipes for accurate shopping lists
• Sorts grocery items by section for efficient in-store navigation
• Reduces food waste by calculating exact quantities needed
• Simplifies dinner decisions by keeping your favorite recipes at your fingertips

Pro tip: When creating meal plans, schedule your weekly recipes so shared ingredients (like garlic or yogurt) are automatically summed in your grocery list—no more forgotten or duplicate items!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes (plus marinating time)

Prepare to enjoy one of the most flavorful, family-friendly meals in your rotation—Middle Eastern Chicken and Rice is sure to become a beloved favorite!