Mediterranean Garlicky Artichoke, Spinach & Chicken Rice Skillet
The Mediterranean Garlicky Artichoke, Spinach & Chicken Rice Skillet is a one-pan, wholesome meal that’s packed with bold flavors, lean protein, and vibrant vegetables. Tender, seasoned chicken is sautéed with garlic, spinach, and artichoke hearts, then combined with fragrant rice and Mediterranean herbs for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and simple.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s made in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup while delivering a dish full of Mediterranean zest and comfort. Serve it on its own or with a side salad and lemon wedges for extra brightness.
Total Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Rice:
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain rice (white or jasmine)
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14 oz / 400 g) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered (in water or brine)
3 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for freshness)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Garlic & Rice:
In the same skillet, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the rice and toast for 1–2 minutes, coating it in the oil and garlic for extra flavor.
Add the Liquid and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is mostly cooked but still slightly firm.
Add Artichokes, Spinach & Chicken:
Stir in the artichoke hearts, spinach, and cooked chicken.
Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the rice is tender and the spinach is wilted.
Finish the Dish:
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olives, and feta cheese.
Toss gently to combine, and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and cherry tomatoes (if using).
Serve warm, with lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with Greek yogurt, cucumber salad, or warm pita bread.
Enjoy as a main dish or Mediterranean-inspired meal prep option.
Tips
Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in the last step to warm through.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sauté chicken in batches if needed to ensure it browns well instead of steaming.
Rinse the Rice: Rinse long-grain rice under cold water to remove excess starch for fluffier results.
Deglaze the Pan: Scraping up the bits after sautéing the chicken adds rich flavor to the rice.
Variations:
Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans for plant-based protein.
Swap Greens: Use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor.
Try Different Grains: Replace rice with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for variety (adjust cooking times accordingly).
Add More Veggies: Toss in zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra texture and nutrients.
Creamy Option: Stir in 2–3 tbsp of Greek yogurt at the end for a creamy finish.
Q&A
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice requires a longer cooking time (35–40 minutes) and more liquid. Adjust broth accordingly.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This skillet meal stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, but note that the texture of spinach and artichokes may soften more after freezing. For best quality, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Q: What if I don’t have artichokes?
A: Substitute with zucchini, broccoli florets, or roasted red peppers for a similar Mediterranean feel.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta substitute.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 580 mg |
| Vitamin C | 45% DV |
| Calcium | 10% DV |
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Garlicky Artichoke, Spinach & Chicken Rice Skillet is a one-pan meal bursting with fresh, bold flavors and nourishing ingredients. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that combines lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, Mediterranean spices, and creamy feta, all cooked together in a flavorful rice base.
Perfect for a busy weeknight, family dinner, or meal prep, this recipe delivers comfort, convenience, and nutrition in one skillet—no fuss, just flavor!