Rice Grilled Chicken: A Simple and Flavorful Meal

Rice Grilled Chicken is a delightful and well-balanced meal that combines tender, juicy grilled chicken with perfectly seasoned rice. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic, while the rice is cooked in chicken broth with a touch of butter and seasoning for a rich, savory base. This meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a comforting weekend dish!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying

The chicken marinade creates a delicious depth of flavor, while the rice is perfectly seasoned to complement the grilled chicken. The combination of juicy chicken with fluffy, flavorful rice makes this dish both satisfying and full of taste.

Quick and Easy

With just 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time, this dish is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. The marinade and rice can be prepared while the chicken grills, making it a fast and efficient meal.

Versatile

You can customize this recipe by adding extra vegetables or using different types of rice. It’s adaptable and can be made healthier with swaps like brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds): You can substitute with chicken thighs or even chicken tenders if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is great for marinating, but you can use avocado oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds tang and depth, but you can substitute with yellow mustard or honey mustard for a different flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh zing. You can substitute with vinegar for a more acidic kick.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives a rich, savory flavor, but garlic powder can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and saltiness. You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free version.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust salt to taste, depending on your preference.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat.

For the Rice:

• 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice (uncooked): You can substitute with brown rice, cauliflower rice, or any other variety of your choice.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is great for toasting the rice, but you can use butter or avocado oil for a different flavor.
• 1 tablespoon butter (divided): Butter adds richness, but you can use a dairy-free butter substitute if needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the flavor of the rice. You can use fresh garlic if preferred.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds savory depth, but you can use finely chopped fresh onions for more texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust salt to taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 teaspoon fresh parsley): Dried or fresh parsley adds freshness and color. You can use other herbs like thyme or oregano for variety.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

For the Chicken Marinade:

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the marinade, making sure they’re coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

For the Rice:

1. Toast the rice: In a pot, heat olive oil and half the butter over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
2. Cook the rice: Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, parsley, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
3. Rest the rice: Once the rice is done, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

For the Grilled Chicken:

1. Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

To Serve:

1. Assemble the dish: Fluff the rice and transfer it to a serving plate. Slice the grilled chicken and arrange it on top of the rice.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
3. Serve and enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!

How to Serve Rice Grilled Chicken

This dish can be served as a complete meal on its own, or you can pair it with additional sides like grilled vegetables, a green salad, or roasted potatoes. It’s also great with a dollop of tzatziki or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

How to Store Rice Grilled Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store the grilled chicken and rice separately if preferred. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist.

Tips to Make Rice Grilled Chicken

1. Make ahead: Marinate the chicken a day ahead to save time and allow the flavors to deepen.
2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
3. Extra flavor: For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the grilled chicken before serving.

Variations

• Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
• Herb-infused rice: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the pot while cooking the rice for added flavor.
• Lemon rice: Stir in the zest of a lemon to the rice for an extra citrusy flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and will add more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs might take a bit longer.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! You can use brown rice, cauliflower rice, or any other rice variety you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Conclusion

Rice Grilled Chicken is a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The grilled chicken is tender and juicy, and the seasoned rice is a perfect complement. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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