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Greek-inspired Flavor for Summer Tables

(Family Features) - Now that those long, lazy summer evenings are calling you outside, don't waste precious time in the kitchen. Cook up a quick meal like this easy, whole-grain skillet dish infused with flavors of the Mediterranean.

Greek-style chicken and rice is as delicious as it is convenient. While the seasoned rice mixture and chicken thighs simmer in the same skillet, there's time to prepare the tomato-cucumber-feta cheese topping. Pair this savory summer meal with a loaf of crusty bread, olives and iced tea.

One helping of this internationally-inspired meal provides an entire serving of whole grains. The tasty blend of brown rice, pearled barley and pearled wheat also provides essential vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that are important to overall health and well being.

For other delicious recipe ideas, visit www.ricearoni.com.

Greek-style Chicken and Rice
Preparation Time: 12 minutes
Cooking Time: 26 to 28 minutes
Serves: 2

1/2 cup chopped plum tomatoes
1/3 cup chopped seedless cucumber
2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onion
2 to 3 tablespoons crumbed feta cheese, regular or reduced fat
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 package (3.8 ounces) Rice-A-Roni Savory Whole Grains Chicken & Herb Classico
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (8 to 10 ounces total)
1 1/4 cups water
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil

In small bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, feta and oregano; mix well. Cover and refrigerate while preparing chicken.
Transfer 3/4 teaspoon seasoning from Rice-A-Roni Savory Grains seasoning packet to small bowl. Add pepper; mix well. Sprinkle over chicken thighs; set aside.
In 10-inch skillet, combine remainder of seasoning from seasoning packet, rice, water and olive oil. Bring to a boil. Add chicken; cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer 24 to 26 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and most of liquid is absorbed.
Remove skillet from heat. Let stand covered 5 minutes.
To serve, remove chicken to two plates. Stir rice well. Spoon onto plates around chicken, dividing evenly. Top with tomato-cucumber mixture.

Nutrients per serving: 470 calories (160 calories from fat); 18g total fat (5g saturated fat, 0g trans fat); 105mg cholesterol; 930mg sodium; 43g total carbohydrates; 5g fiber; 3g sugars;35g protein. Provides 1 serving whole grains.

SOURCE: Rice-A-Roni