Description
Grilled Chicken with Rice and Fresh Tomato-Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and wholesome dish that brings together the smoky flavor of perfectly grilled chicken, fluffy rice, and a refreshing salad. This meal is not only quick to prepare—ready in just 30 minutes—but also offers a healthy balance of lean protein and fresh vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this dish can be easily customized to suit your taste. Serve it warm, topped with your choice of sauces or herbs, for an enjoyable and nutritious dining experience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 boneless chicken breast
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Juice of lemon (optional)
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice
- 1 cup water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt & black pepper
- Fresh parsley or mint (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice with 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Once done, set aside and keep warm.
- Rub the chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over both sides. Preheat your grill pan over medium heat. Grill or pan-sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Allow it to rest before slicing.
- In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes and diced cucumber. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together gently. Add fresh herbs if desired for extra flavor.
- On a serving plate, place a generous serving of rice accompanied by cucumber slices. Top it off with slices of grilled chicken and spoonfuls of tomato salad beside it. Serve immediately alongside extra lemon wedges for added zest!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 66g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in olive oil and spices. Customize your salad by adding bell peppers or avocado. Pair with tzatziki sauce or chili sauce for extra zest.