One-Pan Chicken Rice Preserved Lemon (Printable Recipe)

Spiced chicken and basmati rice with preserved lemon and olives cooked together in one flavorful pan for an easy dinner.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Rice and Spices

01 - 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
02 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
03 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
04 - 1 teaspoon paprika
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
07 - Kosher salt

→ Protein

08 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)

→ Aromatics and Fats

09 - 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - 1 large onion, chopped
11 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Mediterranean Elements

12 - 1 preserved lemon
13 - 3/4 cup pitted green olives

→ Liquids and Garnish

14 - 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
15 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Rinse and drain basmati rice 3 to 5 times to remove excess starch. Set aside.
02 - Combine cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, and 1 teaspoon salt in small bowl. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with half the spice mixture.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large 12-inch pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. When hot but not smoking, add chicken and sear until golden brown crust forms, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
04 - Pour remaining 2 tablespoons oil into same pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until golden, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Add rice and remaining spice mix, stirring to combine.
05 - Remove flesh from preserved lemon, discard seeds, and finely chop the rind. Add chopped rind to rice followed by green olives, stirring to distribute evenly.
06 - Pour chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups water into pan, increase heat to medium-high. Bring to simmer, nestle chicken breasts back in pan, and cover. Reduce heat to medium and cook until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 30 minutes.
07 - Serve chicken whole or shred and mix back into rice. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Preserved lemons are a staple of Arab Mediterranean cuisines and can be found at specialty stores or made at home weeks in advance
02 - If rice is still firm after 30 minutes, add 1/4 cup water and cook for another 10 minutes
03 - The homemade spice blend creates bold flavor that makes this dish suitable for both weeknight dinners and entertaining

Go Back