Olive Rice Chicken
Olive Rice Chicken is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring tender chicken, fragrant spices, and briny green olives. The combination of turmeric, cumin, and cilantro creates a warm, savory profile, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or entertaining guests craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 13 large pimento-stuffed green olives, halved crosswise ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried cilantro ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 red pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. long grain rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground turmeric ⓘ
- 2 c. fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. capers ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic, chopped onion, and red pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, ground turmeric, and ground cumin; cook for 1 minute.
- Add the chicken broth, halved green olives, and capers; bring to a boil.
- Cover the skillet, reduce heat, and simmer until the broth has evaporated, about 17 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in dried cilantro before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and spices before cooking. If you can't find pimento-stuffed olives, green olives or kalamata olives could work as substitutes. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your taste preference, and feel free to add vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
This Olive Rice Chicken pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up any remaining juices. For a Mediterranean twist, complement with tzatziki or a yogurt sauce for added creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the rice chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Olive Rice Chicken contains roughly 955 calories, with 28g protein, 151g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (471% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (131% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1311mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of long grain rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for long grain rice, but you'll need to increase the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 40-45 minutes of simmering, so adjust your cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with Olive Rice Chicken?
Olive Rice Chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Consider a fresh Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a light accompaniment. Alternatively, you can serve it with warm pita bread or a side of hummus for a Mediterranean flair.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare Olive Rice Chicken in advance. Cook it as directed, let it cool, and store in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and is perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).