Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice

Introduction

Picture a platter piled high with fragrant, golden rice and succulent, spice-infused chicken—every bite bursting with the warmth of Middle Eastern flavors. This Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice recipe isn’t just a comfort classic; it’s a go-to crowd-pleaser for gatherings, meal prep, or a satisfying family dinner. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, speed, and deeply satisfying flavor profile, making it accessible for any home cook.

Why This Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice Is a Crowd-Pleaser

The magic comes from the blend of spices—think cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon—which infuse both the chicken and the rice with irresistible aroma and taste. Caramelized onions and toasted almonds add nuanced sweetness and crunch, while a hint of fresh herbs elevates every bite.

Best of all, everything comes together in one skillet, letting the rice absorb every ounce of rich, savory chicken juices for hands-off, foolproof cooking. It’s hearty, naturally gluten-free, and delicious hot or at room temperature.

Key Steps for Flavorful Chicken & Rice

Start by prepping all your vegetables and herbs for efficiency. Using a reliable tool like the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper will speed up dicing onions, garlic, and tomatoes for a uniform cook and effortless cleanup.

For the rice, rinse thoroughly (until water runs clear) to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains. The chicken should be generously coated with spices, then seared to lock in juices and flavor. Once seared, remove the chicken, sauté aromatics, add tomato and rice, pour in broth, and nestle the chicken back in for simmering.

No-Fuss Cooking and Serving Tips

A nonstick skillet guarantees easy cleanup and prevents sticking—try the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for even browning and perfect rice texture. Cover and simmer gently so the chicken cooks through and the rice is tender.

To quickly and safely test the chicken for doneness, a quick-read thermometer such as the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking means no guesswork: 165°F and you’re set.

When serving for a picnic or shared lunch, pack individual portions in a sturdy, leakproof container like the Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green—perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go nourishment.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice is excellent fresh or as leftovers. Simply store extra portions in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating throughout the week. The flavors only deepen with time, making it ideal for meal planning.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4–6 hearty servings. Each serving (without optional toppings) provides around 450–500 calories, packed with protein and whole grains. Enjoy with a crunchy salad or roasted vegetables for a more balanced plate.

Recipe Recap: Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice

Combining juicy spiced chicken, soft and flavorful rice, and vibrant toppings, this dish offers unbeatable flavor, ease, and versatility. Serve at gatherings, for weeknight dinners, or as a delicious make-ahead meal—you can’t miss with this Middle Eastern classic.

Instructions

1. On a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, dice onion, garlic, and tomato for speedy prep. In a large bowl, toss chicken with cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, half the salt, and pepper.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch over medium-high. Sear chicken until golden, 3–4 minutes per side (it will finish cooking in rice). Remove and set aside.
3. Add remaining oil and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté 4–5 minutes until soft, then add garlic and tomatoes. Cook 2 minutes more until fragrant.
4. Stir in rinsed rice, remaining salt, and broth. Bring to a gentle boil; reduce to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the pan, nestling pieces into the rice. Cover and simmer on low for 22–25 minutes until rice is tender and chicken cooked to 165°F (check with ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
6. Remove from heat. Rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff rice and garnish with toasted almonds and fresh parsley.
7. Serve with lemon wedges and, for meal prep or travel, pack portions in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Enjoy this flavor-forward Middle Eastern Chicken & Rice for easy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings—a delicious taste of tradition in every bite!