Smoky Grilled Chicken with White Garlic Rice & Pickled Cucumber
Juicy smoky-seasoned grilled chicken served over fluffy white garlic rice and paired with refreshing, tangy pickled cucumbers. This dish has warm winter comfort + Mediterranean freshness in every bite.
⏱ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Smoky Grilled Chicken
2 chicken breasts (or 3 thighs)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp smoked paprika (gives smokiness, NOT spicy)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp thyme
Salt to taste
Optional: a small dash of soy sauce (adds color + smokiness)
For the White Garlic Rice
1 cup basmati rice
1 tbsp or olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 ¾ cups water
Salt to taste
Optional: 2 tbsp cream or 1 tbsp yogurt for extra softness
For Quick Pickled Cucumbers
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
2 tbsp vinegar
½ tsp sugar
Pinch of salt
1 tbsp water
Optional: pinch of dried dill or oregano
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken (Smoky Flavor)
Mix:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Smoked paprika
Garlic powder
Oregano
Thyme
Salt
Rub on chicken and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. Make the Pickled Cucumbers (Quick 5-Minute)
In a bowl, mix:
Vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Water
Add cucumber slices → toss → chill in fridge.
They become tangy and crisp.
3. Cook the Garlic Rice
1. Rinse rice until clear.
2. Heat oil in pot.
3. Add garlic → sauté lightly (don’t brown).
4. Add rice → stir 1 minute.
5. Add water + salt.
6. Cover and cook 12–15 minutes on low heat.
7. Fluff and add optional cream for richness.
4. Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or regular pan.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes each side until smoky and golden.
Slice into strips.
5. Assemble Your Plate
On a plate:
1. Add fluffy garlic rice.
2. Top with smoky grilled chicken.
3. Add a side of pickled cucumbers.
4. Optional drizzle: a little olive oil + lemon for shine.
Serve warm.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~520
Protein: 38–42g
Carbs: 50–55g
Fats: 16–18g