Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Cheesy Sauce & Garlic Herb Rice
A delicious Mediterranean-style meal featuring juicy grilled chicken, creamy cheesy sauce, and fluffy garlic-herb rice. Mild, aromatic, comforting — perfect for lunch or dinner.
⏱ Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken
2 chicken breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp paprika (optional, mild)
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Cheesy Sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
1 tbsp parmesan
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste
For Garlic Herb Rice
1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tsp oregano
1 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and coat well.
3. Heat a grill pan and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and juicy.
4. Rest the chicken for 3 minutes, then slice.
2. Make Garlic Herb Rice
1. Heat butter in a pot, add chopped garlic, and sauté 30 seconds.
2. Add rice and stir for 1 minute.
3. Pour in water, add salt, oregano, and parsley.
4. Cover and cook on low heat for 12–15 minutes until fluffy.
3. Prepare Cheesy Sauce
1. Put olive oil in a saucepan.
2. Add flour and whisk for 10–15 seconds.
3. Slowly pour milk and whisk to avoid lumps.
4. Add mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Simmer 2 minutes until thick and creamy.
4. Assemble
Place garlic herb rice on the plate.
Top with grilled chicken slices.
Pour warm cheesy sauce generously over the chicken.
Garnish with parsley or a squeeze of lemon.
Notes & Tips
Add a few olives or cherry tomatoes on the side for a Mediterranean touch.
Use boneless chicken thighs if you like juicier meat.
Sauce too thick? Add 1–2 tbsp warm milk.
For extra flavor, marinate chicken for 1 hour (optional).
⁉️ Frequently asked questions
Q: Can I make this without a grill?
Yes — pan-sear the chicken on a nonstick pan.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, up to 2 days in the fridge.
Q: Is this spicy?
No — it’s mild and Mediterranean-friendly.
ℹ️ Nutrition information
Calories: ~620
Protein: 42g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 24g