Description
This grilled chicken and rice recipe is your new weeknight lifesaver — juicy marinated chicken, fluffy fragrant rice, and flavors the whole family will love. It’s simple, wholesome, kid-approved, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or packing lunches for the week, this balanced bowl brings joy and calm back to dinnertime.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
2 large chicken breasts (or 4 small, about 1½ lbs total)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 garlic cloves, minced
½ tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Optional: pinch of paprika
For the Rice
1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter or ghee
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp dried parsley (or 1 tsp fresh, chopped)
2 cups chicken broth
Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Family-Friendly Add-Ons
Steamed peas or carrots
Lime wedges
Yogurt or honey mustard drizzle
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and coat well.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
2. Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a pot, heat olive oil and butter.
Add rice and toast for 2 minutes until lightly fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and parsley.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for ~20 minutes (or according to rice instructions).
Remove from heat and let rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat grill or grill pan to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly oil the grates.
Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Assemble & Serve
Spoon the fluffy rice into bowls.
Slice the grilled chicken and place it on top.
Add veggies, herbs, lime, or sauce if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your yum-yum bowl!
Notes
Jasmine rice is softer and perfect for toddlers.
Toasting the rice before cooking helps make it fluffy.
Let the chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
Serve the meal “deconstructed” for picky eaters (rice + chicken + veggie separately).
Keep warm leftovers in a thermos for school lunches.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Marinating: 1-4 hour
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grill+ Stove
- Cuisine: American/Family-Friendly