Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A colorful Mediterranean-inspired paella-style dish featuring juicy chicken thighs and shrimp cooked with saffron rice and fresh vegetables. This mediterranean-inspired spanish (mediterranean) ready in about 50 minutes pairs peeled and deveined medium shrimp, olive oil, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 460 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 460 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb bite-sized boneless chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 1/4 cups medium-grain rice to coat with oil and cook for 2 minutes. Add 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika and 1/4 tsp saffron threads soaked in 1 tbsp warm water, stirring gently.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 1/2 cups hot chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup trimmed and halved green beans. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Cover and simmer gently over low heat for 15 minutes without stirring.
  6. Step 6: Nestle 10 peeled and deveined medium shrimp into the rice. Cover again and cook for 5-7 minutes until shrimp are pink and rice is tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish. Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Mediterranean One-Pan Chicken and Shrimp Rice?

Mediterranean spanish like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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