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Easy Grilled Chicken Bowl Recipe with Zesty Lemon Herb Rice

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A simple and satisfying grilled chicken bowl featuring juicy grilled chicken paired with bright, tangy lemon herb rice, perfect for summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon (for marinade and finishing squeeze)
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine rice)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: cherry tomatoes (halved), feta cheese crumbles, sliced cucumbers or avocado, fresh lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  2. Prepare the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water or chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the rice and a pinch of salt. Lower heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
  3. Fluff & Season Rice: Transfer cooked rice to a bowl. Stir in lemon zest, chopped parsley, dill, and olive oil or butter. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  5. Assemble the Bowls: Spoon lemon herb rice into bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken and optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, cucumbers, or avocado. Finish with a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking. Do not over-marinate chicken to avoid mushy texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let chicken rest after grilling to retain juices. Rinse rice before cooking for fluffiness. Fresh lemon zest is preferred over bottled lemon juice. Optional toppings can be customized or omitted for dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken bowl, lemon herb rice, summer recipe, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken bowl, quick dinner, grilled chicken

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-grilled-chicken-bowl-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-herb-rice-perfect-for-summer/