Why You’ll Love Grilled Chicken And Rice Recipe
The chicken is tender, smoky, and packed with flavor thanks to a simple marinade made with garlic, lemon, and dijon mustard. The rice is buttery, fluffy, and seasoned perfectly to complement the grilled chicken. This meal is easy to prepare, filling, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 large chicken breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, uncooked
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried parsley
2 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Directions
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F to 450°F.
Rinse the rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Set aside.
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and half of the butter. Once melted, stir in the rice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and dried parsley. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Simmer for 20 minutes or according to the rice package instructions.
Place the marinated chicken directly on the grill grates. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes on one side, then flip and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Once the rice is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Add the remaining butter and fluff the rice with a fork.
Serve the sliced chicken over the rice and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Variations
Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Add vegetables like grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli on the side. Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier option, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat the rice and chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth to the rice when reheating to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy on the grill.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour for the best flavor, but no longer than 24 hours.
What type of rice works best?
Jasmine or basmati rice are both excellent choices because they cook fluffy and flavorful.
Can I cook the chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or skillet if you do not have an outdoor grill.
Why should I rinse the rice?
Rinsing removes excess starch and helps the rice cook up light and fluffy.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 160°F before resting.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep and reheats very well.
What sides go well with this dish?
Roasted vegetables, salads, steamed broccoli, or grilled corn pair nicely.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze the cooked chicken and rice in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Can I make the rice more flavorful?
You can add extra herbs, garlic, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Conclusion
Grilled Chicken and Rice is a simple yet satisfying meal that combines juicy marinated chicken with buttery seasoned rice. It’s easy to customize, perfect for meal prep, and ideal for both busy weeknights and relaxed family dinners.
