Mediterranean Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggie Rice
This Mediterranean Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggie Rice is a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and fresh flavors — ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. Juicy marinated chicken is glazed with a golden honey-garlic sauce and paired with a colorful bed of veggie rice filled with peas, carrots, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.
It’s a vibrant and balanced meal — protein-packed, full of fiber, and bursting with Mediterranean warmth. Serve it with a drizzle of lemon juice and fresh herbs for an extra layer of brightness.
Time Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
3 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
For the Veggie Rice:
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or basmati)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup peas
½ cup corn
½ cup small broccoli florets
½ cup cauliflower florets, chopped small
½ cup green beans, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
2 tbsp chopped parsley or dill (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken breasts and coat them evenly.
Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
2. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Set aside for basting and final glazing.
3. Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly brush with oil.
Grill chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
During the last few minutes, brush both sides with the honey garlic sauce for a sticky, caramelized glaze.
Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Prepare the Veggie Rice
In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender.
Add cooked rice, season with salt and pepper, and toss well.
Drizzle lemon juice and sprinkle chopped herbs for a Mediterranean finish.
5. Assemble and Serve
Serve the grilled honey garlic chicken over the warm veggie rice.
Drizzle with any leftover honey garlic glaze or a touch of olive oil.
Garnish with parsley or dill and lemon wedges.
Tips
Marination: Even a short marination infuses the chicken with flavor — but overnight marination gives the best tenderness.
Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill — cook in batches if necessary.
Glaze Carefully: Add the honey garlic glaze near the end to prevent burning (honey caramelizes quickly).
Rice Texture: Use day-old rice for better stir-fry texture; freshly cooked rice can be slightly sticky.
Add Crunch: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or slivered almonds adds a great crunch before serving.
Variations
Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta, chopped olives, or sundried tomatoes to the veggie rice.
Spicy Version: Add a dash of chili flakes or harissa to the honey garlic sauce.
Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or halloumi slices brushed with the same sauce.
Citrus Boost: Mix orange or lime juice with honey for a citrusy glaze.
Q&A
Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, basting halfway through with the honey garlic sauce.
Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables for the rice?
Absolutely. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Q3: What can I serve with this dish?
Pair with a light cucumber salad, tzatziki, or Mediterranean yogurt sauce for a refreshing side.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Q5: Can I double the sauce?
Yes, double the sauce and reserve half for drizzling at the end or serving on the side.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
(Approximate values, will vary by ingredients and serving size)
Calories: 460
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 420mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken with Veggie Rice brings together the perfect combination of juicy chicken, golden honey-garlic glaze, and colorful, nutritious rice — all in one wholesome dish. It’s balanced, comforting, and fresh — a guaranteed family favorite that’s both satisfying and light enough for everyday enjoyment.