Name: One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, diced; 1 medium red bell pepper, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 ¼ cups vegetable broth; 1 ½ cups basmati rice; 1 (15.5 ounce/439 gram) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; ¾ cup pitted Kalamata olives

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun, you’ve got to try this One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant, wholesome dish packed with hearty chickpeas, fragrant basmati rice, and a lively mix of bell peppers and olives that explode with flavor in every bite. What makes this recipe a keeper in my kitchen is how effortlessly it comes together in just one pot, saving you time and cleanup, while delivering an irresistible melody of spices, bright lemon, and fresh herbs that feel both comforting and refreshing. Trust me, this dish will quickly become one of your weeknight favorites and a go-to for inviting friends around for a cozy meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pot with a black rim, there are two layers of cooked vegetables. The bottom layer is small yellow pieces with a soft texture, and the top layer is bright red chunks that look fresh and slightly shiny. A wooden spoon rests in the pot touching the vegetables, and the pot is set on a black stove surface with a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully simple but each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe. From the earthy warmth of cumin to the fresh zing of lemon, every element helps build a complex yet approachable flavor profile that shines through beautifully.

Olive oil: A tablespoon adds richness and helps soften veggies while imparting that classic Mediterranean touch.
Onion: One medium, diced for sweetness and base flavor.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and a subtle sweetness, diced to blend perfectly with the rice.
Garlic cloves: Four, minced to infuse every bite with aromatic depth.
Ground cumin: One and a half teaspoons brings warmth and earthiness that defines the dish.
Ground coriander: Half a teaspoon adds a gentle citrus note complementing the other spices.
Ground turmeric: A quarter teaspoon for a lovely golden hue and subtle flavor.
Vegetable broth: Two and a quarter cups, the cooking liquid that infuses the rice with savory goodness.
Basmati rice: One and a half cups; its fluffy texture is perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
Chickpeas: One 15.5 ounce can, drained and rinsed for creamy, protein-packed bites.
Lemon juice: Two tablespoons to brighten the dish with refreshing acidity.
Lemon zest: One teaspoon to add an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Kalamata olives: Three quarters of a cup, pitted for briny richness and a savory punch.
Fresh parsley: Half a cup, chopped to finish with grassy freshness.
Salt and pepper: To taste; essential for balancing all the flavors perfectly.

How to Make One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by warming the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the diced onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Let these sweat gently for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and the pepper softens slightly. This builds a flavorful foundation and draws out their natural sweetness, making every bite richer.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Next, toss in the minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Keep stirring constantly and sauté the mixture for about one minute until the kitchen fills with that intoxicating combination of spicy, earthy aroma. This step wakes up the spices and lets their flavors infuse the base of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Chickpeas

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the basmati rice and chickpeas. Crank the heat to bring the liquid to a lively boil, then immediately reduce it to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook undisturbed for 15 to 20 minutes, during which the rice will absorb all the flavors and the chickpeas will warm through, creating a harmony of textures in every forkful.

Step 4: Rest and Fluff

Once the liquid is fully absorbed, remove the pot from the heat and keep it covered for five more minutes. This resting period allows the rice to finish steaming and results in fluffier grains. Then, lift the lid and fluff the mixture gently with a fork, ensuring everything stays light and wonderfully separate.

Step 5: Add Bright Finishing Touches

Finally, stir in the lemon juice and zest, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. These ingredients add a delightful burst of brightness, savory tang, and fresh herbal notes that elevate the whole dish. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.

How to Serve One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe

A white enamel pot filled with a yellow rice dish mixed with red pepper pieces and dark purple olives scattered throughout. The rice looks fluffy with small bits of green herbs sprinkled both inside and mostly on top. A wooden spoon stands inside the pot, leaning on the side, partially covered with the rice mixture. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the natural and fresh look of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling some extra chopped parsley or a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving. For a little contrast, crumbled feta or a few fresh mint leaves also make gorgeous and tasty garnishes that complement the earthy spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish stands wonderfully on its own as a satisfying entrée, but if you want to round out the meal, consider serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad, warm pita bread, or even roasted vegetables. The simplicity and heartiness of the chickpeas and rice pair wonderfully with crunchy, fresh sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more festive touch, serve the chickpeas and rice in individual bowls sprinkled with olives and lemon zest for color contrast. Or, turn it into a vibrant grain bowl by layering it with roasted eggplant, cherry tomatoes, and dollops of tzatziki for added creaminess. It’s a dish that adapts easily to your mood and occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors even deepen over time, making for delicious next-day meals that you can easily reheat.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When freezing, let the dish cool completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, wholesome meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. Stir occasionally until heated through and fluffy. This simple method ensures the rice stays tender and the chickpeas remain creamy rather than drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You’ll want to increase the cooking time by about 20 minutes and add a bit more broth to ensure it cooks through perfectly.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free as long as you use vegetable broth that doesn’t contain gluten or animal products.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, or cherry tomatoes during the cooking process to add more color and nutrition. Just adjust cooking times slightly if adding firmer veggies.

What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and spices. You could also include a diced fresh chili pepper for an extra kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop or in a rice cooker?

This recipe is designed for stovetop one-pot cooking, which allows you to toast the spices and sauté vegetables before simmering. While you could use a rice cooker for the simmer step, you’d miss out on building those layers of flavor from the initial sauté.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Mediterranean Chickpeas & Rice Recipe is a little slice of sunshine you can whip up any night of the week, bringing together wholesome ingredients and bold, fresh flavors in the coziest way. The beauty is in how easy it is to make but how endlessly satisfying it tastes. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes your new favorite go-to meal. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!