Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Herbed Rice & Cucumber Yogurt
Succulent chicken breasts are marinated in olive oil, lemon, and garlic, then gently pan-seared until golden. They’re served over fragrant herbed rice and finished with a cool cucumber-yogurt sauce. This dish is light yet comforting, rich in Mediterranean flavor, and perfectly balanced for everyday eating or special meals.
Time Required
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For Lemon-Garlic Chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt to taste
½ tsp black pepper
For Mediterranean Herbed Rice
1½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
3 cups water or light chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
2 tbsp chopped parsley
For Cucumber Yogurt Sauce
1 cup thick Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small garlic clove, grated
Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat chicken evenly.
3. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
2. Add rice, water, bay leaf, olive oil, and salt to a pot.
3. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes
4. Rest for 5 minutes, remove bay leaf, and fluff with parsley.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat a pan over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 4: Prepare Yogurt Sauce
1. Mix yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
2. Chill until serving.
Step 5: Serve
Plate herbed rice.
Top with sliced chicken.
Spoon yogurt sauce over or on the side.
Tips for Best Results
Pound chicken slightly for even cooking
Always use fresh lemon
Rest chicken before slicing to keep it juicy
Squeeze cucumber well to avoid watery sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 22–25 minutes.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s completely mild and aromatic.
Q: Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes, it keeps well for 3 days in the fridge.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, increase cooking time and liquid slightly.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 470 kcal
Protein: 42 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Fiber: 4 g
Calcium: 22% DV
Iron: 18% DV