One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Olive Gremolata is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines tender chicken legs, fragrant spiced rice, and a bright, tangy olive gremolata. This comforting meal is prepared in a single pot, making cleanup effortless. With roasted, crispy-skinned chicken nestled in perfectly cooked rice and topped with a zesty garnish, this recipe is a perfect option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- For the Chicken and Rice:
- 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick, about 2½ lbs)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (plus ¼ cup for cooking)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon + 1½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1½ cups basmati or other long-grain rice, rinsed
- 2¼ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or 1½ teaspoons Morton kosher salt)
- 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
- 1¾ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- For the Olive Gremolata:
- 1½ cups green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- ⅓ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken legs generously with kosher salt. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Sear 2 chicken legs, skin side down, until golden brown and crisp (about 5 minutes). Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Repeat with the remaining chicken legs.
- Cook the Aromatics:
- Remove excess fat from the pot, leaving about ¼ cup. Add onion and garlic, cooking over medium-high heat until softened (about 4 minutes).
- Stir in smoked paprika and cumin, cooking until fragrant.
- Toast the Rice:
- Add rinsed rice and kosher salt, stirring until rice is toasted (about 1 minute).
- Deglaze the pot with 3 tablespoons of vinegar, scraping up any browned bits, until the liquid is absorbed (about 30 seconds).
- Simmer the Rice and Chicken:
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Nestle the chicken legs, skin side up, into the rice.
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook until the chicken is tender and rice is fully cooked (22–27 minutes). Let sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
- Make the Olive Gremolata:
- In a small bowl, combine green olives, parsley, grated garlic, ¼ cup olive oil, and 3 tablespoons vinegar. Season with salt to taste.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Fluff the rice with a fork. Spoon olive gremolata over the chicken in the pot. Serve with additional gremolata on the side.
Nutritional Information
- Serving Size: 1 portion (based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~28g
- Fat: ~18g
- Sodium: ~800mg
This One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Olive Gremolata is a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. The smoky spices, fragrant rice, and tangy gremolata create layers of flavor that are both satisfying and exciting. It’s an easy, wholesome dish that transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal.
The Beauty of One-Pot Cooking
One-pot meals are a lifesaver for busy households. They minimize cleanup while allowing flavors to meld together beautifully in a single vessel. This recipe exemplifies the convenience and depth of flavor that one-pot cooking can achieve. As the chicken cooks, its juices infuse the rice with rich, savory flavors, while the spices and aromatics create a cohesive, flavorful dish.
The one-pot method also ensures that every component of the dish is cooked to perfection. The chicken retains its crisp, golden skin, while the rice absorbs the savory broth and spices, resulting in a tender yet fluffy texture. This harmony of flavors and textures is what makes this dish stand out.
The Perfectly Cooked Chicken
The chicken legs are the star of this recipe, offering both flavor and visual appeal. Searing the chicken before simmering locks in its natural juices, ensuring tender, succulent meat. The crispy skin not only adds a delightful texture but also enhances the dish with its rich, roasted flavor.
Chicken legs are an excellent choice for this recipe due to their higher fat content, which keeps the meat moist during cooking. Their robust flavor pairs beautifully with the smoky spices and tangy gremolata. For those who prefer lighter meat, chicken thighs or even drumsticks can be used as alternatives.
Fragrant, Spiced Rice
The rice in this dish is anything but ordinary. Infused with smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic, it becomes a flavorful base that complements the chicken perfectly. The addition of sherry or red wine vinegar introduces a subtle tanginess that brightens the dish, while the chicken broth ensures the rice is rich and savory.
Basmati or other long-grain rice varieties are ideal for this recipe, as they maintain their integrity and texture during cooking. The rice absorbs the spices and chicken juices, creating a deeply flavorful accompaniment to the tender chicken and zesty gremolata.
The Star Garnish: Olive Gremolata
The olive gremolata is what truly elevates this dish. Traditionally, gremolata is a simple Italian condiment made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest. In this recipe, the addition of green olives and sherry vinegar adds a briny, tangy dimension that pairs beautifully with the smoky, spiced chicken and rice.
The gremolata’s bright and zesty flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and rice. It also adds a pop of color and texture, making the dish as visually appealing as it is delicious. For a twist, you can experiment with different types of olives or herbs to suit your taste.
A Balance of Flavors and Textures
What makes this dish truly special is its balance of flavors and textures. The smoky and earthy spices in the rice are complemented by the tangy and herbaceous gremolata. The tender chicken contrasts beautifully with the fluffy rice, while the crispy skin adds a satisfying crunch.
The dish is designed to be a harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and fresh elements. Each component enhances the others, creating a meal that feels complete and satisfying. The gremolata serves as the final touch, tying everything together with its vibrant and zesty notes.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is highly versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for the rice.
- Spice Level: For those who enjoy heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the rice.
- Herb Variations: Substitute parsley in the gremolata with cilantro, dill, or mint for a different flavor profile.
- Different Grains: Swap out rice for quinoa, farro, or bulgur for a unique twist.
- Additional Toppings: Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added richness and complexity.
These customizations allow you to tailor the dish to your preferences while maintaining its core essence.
Serving Suggestions
One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Olive Gremolata is a complete meal in itself, but it can be paired with a variety of side dishes to create a more elaborate spread. Here are some serving ideas:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the dish.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic naan to scoop up the flavorful rice and gremolata.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables make a great side dish.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with the smoky and tangy flavors of the dish.
These pairings enhance the dining experience, making the meal feel even more special.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional value. The chicken provides high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Rice offers a source of energy-giving carbohydrates, while the spices and herbs contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
The olive gremolata adds healthy fats from the olives and olive oil, which support heart health. Parsley, a key ingredient in the gremolata, is rich in vitamins A and C, further boosting the dish’s nutritional profile. Together, these ingredients create a balanced meal that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Conclusion
One-Pot Chicken and Rice with Olive Gremolata is a dish that combines the best of comfort cooking with sophisticated flavors. Its smoky spices, tender chicken, and fragrant rice make it a hearty and satisfying meal, while the bright and tangy gremolata adds a refreshing contrast. The convenience of one-pot cooking ensures that you can enjoy a gourmet meal with minimal effort and cleanup.
This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering, or even a weeknight treat. Its versatility and adaptability make it a valuable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. With its balance of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with variations, you’re guaranteed a meal that delights every time.
