Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate

Name: Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups basmati rice; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Global Kitchen Creations

I absolutely love making this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate because it brings together vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, and when served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh vegetables, it's a meal that not only satisfies the stomach but also delights the palate. Each bite feels like a sunny escape to the Mediterranean coast, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Plus, the colors and aromas in the kitchen make cooking this dish an enjoyable experience.

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-15T00:47:35.784Z

When I first tried this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate, the combination of flavors surprised me. The blend of herbs and spices perfectly complements the juicy chicken, transforming a simple meal into something truly special. I remember the first time I prepared it for friends, and the compliments flooded in, instantly making it one of my go-to recipes.

Throughout my experimentation, I discovered that marinating the chicken for a longer duration really enhances its flavor. To make the dish even more exciting, I like to serve it with a drizzle of homemade tzatziki sauce - the coolness elevates the whole dish. In the end, it’s all about layering the flavors for a truly Mediterranean experience.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Juicy grilled chicken infused with Mediterranean spices
Fluffy rice that serves as a perfect base for the vibrant toppings
A colorful presentation that makes every plate look gourmet

Mastering the Chicken Marinade

The key to achieving deeply flavored chicken in this Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate lies in the marinade. Allowing the chicken breasts to soak in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices for at least 30 minutes is crucial. If time permits, marinating for two hours or even overnight can intensify the flavors tremendously, making each bite a burst of zest and aromatic warmth. Ensure all sides of the chicken are evenly coated for the best taste experience.

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding herbs like rosemary or thyme alongside the oregano. These additions can add further complexity to the marinade without overpowering the main flavor profile. Also, be mindful of the salt; if you're using a salted chicken broth for cooking the rice, you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the marinade to balance the overall seasoning.

Perfecting the Rice Texture

Using basmati rice lends a wonderful nutty flavor and fluffy texture to the dish. To achieve perfectly cooked rice, it's crucial to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking. Rinsing removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring each grain remains separate and light. When boiling the chicken broth, a light simmer rather than a rolling boil helps the rice absorb the liquid evenly, creating that fluffy texture characteristic of basmati rice.

If you prefer a slightly more aromatic rice, feel free to throw in some whole spices such as cardamom pods or bay leaves while the rice cooks. Just remember to remove them before serving, as they can overpower the dish if left in. Additionally, if you're making this dish for meal prep, the rice can be stored in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat it gently with a splash of water to restore its texture before serving.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Rice and Toppings

2 cups basmati rice
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Rice

In a large saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing.

Prepare the Toppings

While the chicken is grilling, prepare the toppings by combining chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese in a bowl. Add a drizzle of olive oil and mix gently.

Assemble the Plate

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and divide it among plates. Top with sliced grilled chicken and the fresh vegetable mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a dollop of tzatziki sauce on top of the assembled plate. You can also grill extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to serve alongside the chicken and rice.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Mediterranean Chicken Rice Plate is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes. For a heartier meal, consider adding a dollop of hummus or a side of tzatziki for extra creaminess. Alternatively, you can mix in other vegetables like bell peppers or olives to the topping mixture for added flavor and visual appeal. If you're vegetarian or vegan, replacing the chicken with marinated grilled tofu or chickpeas is an excellent alternative that still captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

You can also customize the presentation. Serving it in bowls layered with rice, topped with chicken, and drizzled with a lemon-olive oil dressing creates a vibrant and inviting meal. For added crunch, throw in some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds right before serving.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

If you're planning for a busy week, this dish is perfect for meal prep! The chicken can be marinated a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also cook the rice ahead of time; it stays fresh in an airtight container for several days in the refrigerator. Just reheat it with a splash of water to maintain its fluffiness. The toppings can be prepped and chopped, but it's best to assemble everything close to serving to keep the vegetables crisp and fresh.

For longer storage, both the chicken and rice can be frozen. After grilling, let the chicken cool, slice it, and store it in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, just thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a pan over medium heat or microwave it gently. This way, you can enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean coast any day of the week!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the dish.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can cook everything in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ What can I substitute for rice?

Quinoa or couscous works well as alternatives to basmati rice.

→ Can I make this dish in the oven?

Yes, simply bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes.