Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Introduction
Uplift your everyday meals with this extraordinary yet simple recipe of Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend get-togethers, this trio is a delightful mix of flavours that will make your taste buds dance.
Why Make This Recipe
For those who cherish simplicity and prefer a wholesome, well-balanced meal, this dish is worth a try. Comforting grilled chicken, served with fluffy rice and a colourful medley of fresh salad, packs a punch with minimum effort. Plus, it requires simple pantry staples, making it a perfect go-to meal for busy weekdays.
How to Make Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Juice of 1 lemon
For the Rice:
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 2 cups chicken broth or water
– 1 tbsp butter
– Pinch of salt
For the Fresh Salad:
– 2 cups mixed greens
– 1 cucumber, sliced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken: Combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Coat the chicken with this marinade and rest it for at least 10 minutes. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Remove and let it rest before slicing.
2. Cook the Rice: Bring chicken broth or water to a boil. Stir in rice, butter, and salt. Cook on low for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
3. Prepare the Salad: Mix mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar, add salt and pepper, and toss well.
4. Assemble the dish: Serve the grilled chicken with a portion of rice and fresh salad.
How to Serve Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad
Arrange a slice of juicy grilled chicken with a scoop of fluffy rice on one side of the plate. Then, add a generous helping of fresh salad on the other side. For the finishing touch, squeeze a wedge of lemon over the chicken and sprinkle some fresh herbs if you like.
How to Store Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad
Store the leftovers in an air-tight container. You can reheat the chicken and rice, but consider serving the salad fresh for optimum taste and crunch.
Tips to Make Simple & Juicy Grilled Chicken with Rice & Fresh Salad
Marinate the chicken for at least an hour, if time permits, for an enhanced flavour. Also, rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture. For the salad, use a range of colourful vegetables to make it visually appealing.
Variation (if any)
Replace traditional white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist. You can also try various dressings for the salad like honey mustard or ranch dressing.
FAQs
Q1. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Yes, you can bake the marinated chicken in a pre-heated oven at 375°F or 180°C for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Q2. Can I use other vegetables in the salad?
Absolutely. You can add bell peppers, olives, or avocado to the salad for additional flavour and texture.
Q3. Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and chop the vegetables for the salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to grill the chicken and assemble the salad right before serving to ensure freshness and the best flavour.