Marinated Chicken with Herbed Rice and Creamy Cucumber Salad

This wholesome and flavorful recipe for Marinated Chicken with Herbed Rice and Creamy Cucumber Salad is a true celebration of balance, nutrition, and comfort. Juicy chicken fillets are infused with the deep flavors of garlic, onion, honey, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and balsamic glaze before being perfectly seared to golden perfection. Served with a hearty rice pilaf cooked with carrots, onions, and bell peppers, and finished with fresh dill, the dish offers a warm and aromatic base.

To round out the plate, a refreshing cucumber salad tossed in a creamy garlic-herb dressing brings brightness, crunch, and a cooling contrast to the savory warmth of the chicken and rice. This recipe combines simple ingredients and techniques to create a complete, nutrient-dense meal that satisfies both body and soul.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes

• Marinating Time: 30 minutes

• Cooking Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• Chicken breast: 3 large (approx. 600–700 g)

• Onion: 1, grated

• Garlic: 2 cloves, grated

• Salt: To taste

• Black pepper: To taste

• Italian herbs: 1 teaspoon

• Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon

• Honey: 2 tablespoons

• Balsamic glaze: 2 tablespoons

• Olive oil or vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons

For the Rice:

• White rice: 1 cup

• Salt: To taste

• Carrot: 1, grated

• Onion: 1, chopped

• Bell pepper: 1, diced

• Dill: A small bunch, chopped

• Butter: 1 tablespoon

• Vegetable oil: 1 tablespoon

• Black pepper: To taste

For the Cucumber Salad:

• Cucumber: 1 large or 2 small, sliced

• Garlic: 2 cloves, grated

• Parsley: A handful, chopped

• Dill: A handful, chopped

• Salt and pepper: To taste

• Sour cream: 1 tablespoon

• Mayonnaise: 2 tablespoons

Step-by-step Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
Grate one onion and place it in a large bowl. Add the chicken breasts (cut into large pieces), grated garlic, salt, pepper, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, honey, balsamic glaze, and olive oil. Mix well to coat all the pieces thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a saucepan, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rice and cook until tender, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers with grated garlic, chopped parsley and dill, salt, and black pepper. Add the sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a mix of butter and oil in a pan. Remove the chicken from the marinade and sear on all sides over medium-high heat until cooked through and golden brown. Set aside to rest.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables for Rice
In the same pan, add more butter and oil. Sauté the grated carrot until soft, then add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add diced bell pepper and continue to cook until softened.

Step 6: Combine Rice and Herbs
Add the cooked rice to the sautéed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the freshly chopped dill and mix everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Serve
Plate a portion of herbed rice alongside a few slices of the marinated chicken. Add a scoop of creamy cucumber salad and serve warm.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 520

• Protein: 42 g

• Carbohydrates: 36 g

• Fat: 24 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sodium: 640 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This dish takes inspiration from Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisines, known for using fresh herbs, yogurt-based salads, and aromatic rice dishes. The concept of marinated chicken cooked with herbs and paired with rice is beloved globally—from Middle Eastern shawarma plates to Eastern European chicken pilafs. The creamy cucumber salad is reminiscent of tzatziki or Russian-style salads, offering a cooling balance to the savory main components. In recent years, such all-in-one meals have grown in popularity for meal prepping, family dinners, and healthy eating plans.

Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe

• Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one meal

• Bursting with flavor from aromatic herbs and spices

• Fresh, light, and satisfying without being heavy

• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients

• Great for meal prep or family-style serving

Health Benefits

• Chicken breast is rich in lean protein, vitamin B6, and niacin, promoting energy and muscle repair

• Garlic and onion offer heart-protective compounds and natural antioxidants

• Rice provides energy, B vitamins, and easy digestibility

• Cucumber hydrates the body and supports healthy skin

• Parsley and dill aid digestion and provide anti-inflammatory properties

• Carrots and bell peppers supply vitamin A and immune-boosting antioxidants

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a warm flatbread or pita for a Mediterranean touch

• Add a lemon wedge on the side for extra brightness

• Top with additional herbs for a vibrant presentation

• Pair with a chilled drink like lemonade or sparkling water

• Add a poached or soft-boiled egg for extra protein

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the marination step—flavor won’t fully develop

• Overcooking the chicken—leads to dryness

• Boiling the rice too long—results in mushy texture

• Using watery cucumbers—drain if too juicy to avoid a runny salad

• Forgetting to season in layers—flavor each component properly

Pairing Recommendations

• Drink: Herbal iced tea, citrus-infused water, or a dry white wine

• Soup starter: Lentil soup, vegetable broth, or creamy tomato soup

• Bread side: Whole grain pita, garlic naan, or crusty sourdough

• Dessert: A bowl of fresh fruit, Greek yogurt with honey, or a small lemon tart

Cooking Tips

• Use a box grater for finely grating vegetables for better texture integration

• Marinate overnight for maximum flavor if time allows

• Use fresh herbs rather than dried for the salad—makes a noticeable difference

• Add a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat

• You can use brown rice or basmati for a more aromatic or fiber-rich variation

Similar Recipes to Try

• Grilled chicken shawarma rice bowls

• Chicken souvlaki with cucumber yogurt dip

• Eastern European dill rice with roasted meats

• Middle Eastern chicken and rice pilaf

• Creamy cucumber and radish salad

Variations to Try

• Add chickpeas or beans to the rice for extra fiber and protein

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter cucumber salad

• Add raisins or pine nuts to the rice for a Middle Eastern twist

• Replace chicken with turkey or tofu for a lean or vegetarian alternative

• Add feta or goat cheese to the salad for a Mediterranean flavor boost

Ingredient Spotlight

Chicken Breast
This lean meat is high in protein and low in fat. It’s ideal for marinades as it soaks up flavors beautifully while remaining juicy and versatile.

Garlic
Garlic’s health benefits are legendary—boosting heart health, reducing inflammation, and acting as a natural antimicrobial.

Balsamic Glaze
A syrupy reduction of balsamic vinegar, this ingredient adds sweet-tart richness and depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

Rice
A staple around the world, rice is a comforting, neutral base that supports all types of seasoning, herbs, and vegetables.

Cucumber
Cooling, hydrating, and low in calories, cucumber brings crunch and freshness to creamy salads.

Fresh Herbs (Parsley and Dill)
These brighten any dish and offer vitamins K, A, and C, while enhancing digestion and immune function.

Conclusion Paragraph

This vibrant, home-style recipe for Marinated Chicken with Herbed Rice and Creamy Cucumber Salad hits all the right notes—tender, flavor-rich chicken, a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables with fluffy rice, and a refreshing, creamy cucumber salad to tie it all together. Perfect for busy weeknights, family meals, or even entertaining, this dish brings together health and taste in a way that feels both wholesome and satisfying. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

10 Comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I substitute balsamic glaze with regular balsamic vinegar?
Yes, but the glaze is thicker and sweeter. If using vinegar, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and a nutty flavor. Just increase cooking time as needed.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes. Swap the chicken for marinated tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth for sautéing.

4. Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Yes, grilled chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Use medium-high heat and grill until cooked through.

5. Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Definitely. It enhances the flavor even more and makes meal prep easier the next day.

6. What type of rice is best?
Long-grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati all work well for this dish.

7. How long can leftovers be stored?
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

8. Can I freeze this meal?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and rice (not the salad) for up to 2 months.

9. Can I skip the sour cream or mayo in the salad?
Yes. You can replace them with plain Greek yogurt or a vinaigrette-style dressing for a lighter option.

10. Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are highly recommended, especially in the salad. But if needed, use half the amount of dried herbs.