Grilled Chicken with Rice
Enjoy a perfect blend of juicy, smoky grilled chicken paired with fluffy, flavorful rice in this simple, versatile, and family-friendly Grilled Chicken with Rice recipe. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick dinners or casual gatherings, delivering balanced nutrition and customizable flavors to suit every palate.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Rice
- 1 1/2 cups long grain rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
Marinade and Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried parsley (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken. In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces in this marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. In a pot, sauté the chopped onions in a little olive oil until translucent. Add the rinsed rice and chicken broth, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve perfect grill marks on the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Plate and Serve: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and serve on plates. Slice or arrange the grilled chicken beside or on top of the rice. Finish with a drizzle of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley for added brightness.
Notes
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Rinse rice thoroughly to achieve fluffy, separate grains.
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, rice recipe, easy dinner, quick meal, healthy poultry dish, gluten free, family friendly