Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Stir Fry (Healthy with Lentils)

This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Stir Fry gives you a quick, one-skillet dinner that’s high-protein, high-fiber, and full of bright, comforting flavors — perfect for busy nights when you want something easy, wholesome, and satisfying.

For more easy chicken dinners, check out our chicken piccata, chicken gyros, mediterranean chicken and potatoes, and honey harissa chicken.

Finished dish top down one pan Mediterranean chicken and rice stir fry on a skillet.

This One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Stir Fry Is a Weeknight Win

This Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Stir Fry is one of those weeknight wins that Louise and I turn to when we want something fast, flavorful, and truly satisfying. 🍋

It all comes together in one skillet, with tender chicken, veggies, and fiber-rich lentils — a simple combo that feels comforting but still supports a balanced, Mediterranean-style eating pattern.

It’s also budget-friendly and great for meal prep, which makes it a smart choice for busy home cooks looking for an easy chicken and rice dinner that delivers every time. 🍽️

And thanks to bright lemon, garlic, and herbs, this Mediterranean chicken skillet has that sunny, feel-good flavor we love so much. 🌿

Nico Pallotta

Ingredients

For quantities, see recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Chicken thighs: Tender and flavorful for stir fry. You can also use chicken breasts, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even turkey for a quick high-protein chicken recipe.
Onion: Any variety works — yellow, white, or red. Shallots add a sweeter, more delicate flavor.
Mushrooms: Button, cremini, shiitake, or portobello all taste great. Swap in zucchini or bell peppers if you’re out of mushrooms.
Lentils: Canned lentils keep this dish simple and budget-friendly, but cooked green or brown lentils work too. Chickpeas make a good swap in a pinch.
Cooked rice: Basmati, jasmine, or long-grain rice give the lightest texture. Use quinoa, farro, or couscous for a fun Mediterranean twist.
Spinach: Fresh is best, but frozen spinach works if thawed and drained. Kale or arugula add a different flavor.
Chicken broth: Water works fine, but broth adds more depth. Vegetable broth is a good alternative.
Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and flavor. Avocado oil works if needed.
Tomato paste: Adds richness and a deep, savory flavor to the sauce. If you don’t have any, swap in a little marinara, crushed tomatoes, or even a spoonful of ketchup.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness. White wine vinegar is a good sub.
Garlic: Fresh is ideal, but jarred or garlic powder works.
Dried oregano: Paprika or Italian seasoning both fit well in this easy chicken and rice dinner.

Finished dish close-up Mediterranean chicken and rice stir fry with lentils and spinach.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Stir Fry

Mix the Mediterranean Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the broth, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, grated garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Set the bowl aside so it’s ready when the pan gets busy.

Step 1 mixing sauce whisking Mediterranean stir fry sauce in a small bowl.

Cook the Chicken

Warm a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season lightly, and cook for about 5–6 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Transfer it to a plate. (If using leftover chicken, add it later with the lentils and rice.)

Step 2 cooking chicken sautéing seasoned chicken pieces until golden in a skillet.

Sauté the Onion and Mushrooms

In the same skillet, add the onions and mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften and brown slightly. Stir often.

Step 3 onions and mushrooms softening in a hot pan.

Add Lentils, Rice, and Chicken

Stir in the lentils, cooked rice, and the chicken. Pour the sauce over everything and cook for 2–3 minutes. The mixture will smell amazing and start to look like a true one-pan chicken stir fry.

Step 4 adding lentils rice chicken and sauce to the skillet and mixing all.

Wilt the Greens

Finish with the spinach. Stir it in and cook just 1–2 minutes until it softens. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Now you’ve got a bright, hearty quick weeknight chicken dinner ready to serve. Delicious with a squeeze of lemon, parsley, and a dollop of yogurt.

Step 5 stirring fresh spinach into Mediterranean chicken rice mixture.

Tips

Use pre-cooked rice to save time: This keeps the recipe truly fast and turns it into an easy Mediterranean meal prep recipe for busy weeks.
Let the mushrooms brown: Don’t stir too often — a little color adds big flavor.
Cut the chicken into even pieces: This helps it cook quickly.
Season as you go: A pinch of salt at each step builds deeper flavor.
Don’t skip the lemon: That bright acidity makes the whole dish taste fresh and Mediterranean.
Go big with the skillet: A large pan prevents steaming and keeps everything tasting like a real veggie-packed chicken stir fry.
Add the spinach at the very end: It wilts fast and keeps its color.
Taste before serving: A squeeze of extra lemon or a little salt can wake up the whole dish.
Make it your own: Swap veggies, use chickpeas, or change the grain to turn this into a flexible high-fiber dinner idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without chicken?

Yes! We even have a vegetarian version on our sister blog called Mediterranean Mushroom and Rice Stir Fry. You can also swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or extra mushrooms. It still turns into a cozy, satisfying Mediterranean comfort food meal.

Do I have to use cooked rice?

No — you can cook rice from scratch first or swap in quinoa or couscous. Just keep the grains fluffy so they mix well in this one-skillet recipe.

Can I use canned mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms give the best texture, but canned work in a pinch. Just drain them well before adding.

What else can I add for more veggies?

Zucchini, peppers, peas, or kale all fit perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors.

Does this reheat well for lunch?

Yes! It reheats beautifully and makes an easy high-protein chicken recipe for the next day.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Tried this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice recipe? We'd love to hear what you think! Leave a 🌟 star rating and drop a comment below—we read every single one. 💬💛