A Delicious and Simple Recipe for Grilled Chicken with Brown Rice and Asparagus

Are you looking for a healthy meal that is both tasty and quick to prepare? This grilled chicken with brown rice and asparagus recipe offers a perfect solution. This dish combines lean protein, whole grains, and fresh vegetables into a wholesome plate. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, you can whip this up in under an hour. Let’s jump right in and explore the steps for making this delightful dish, along with some handy tips to enhance your experience.

Ingredients for Grilled Chicken with Brown Rice and Asparagus recipe

To prepare grilled chicken with brown rice and asparagus, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the Grilled Chicken:

- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

- Juice of 1 lemon

• For the Brown Rice:

- 1 cup brown rice

- 2 cups water or chicken broth

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt to taste

• For the Asparagus:

- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Grilled Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken breasts for the best flavor. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice until well combined.

Place your chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. For even more flavor, consider marinating for up to 2 hours.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. After marinating, take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the leftover liquid. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Rest the chicken for a few minutes before slicing it. This resting period helps lock in the juices, promoting a moist and flavorful bite every time.

Cooking the Brown Rice

While the chicken is grilling, you can prepare the brown rice. Start by rinsing the rice under cold water to remove excess starch. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water or chicken broth (using broth can boost flavor), olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan, and let it cook for around 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

After cooking, let the rice sit covered for another 10 minutes. This helps achieve a fluffy texture, so be sure to fluff it with a fork before serving.

Grilling the Asparagus

As your chicken and rice cook, let’s get the asparagus ready. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the tough ends. In a bowl, coat the asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Place the asparagus on the grill alongside the chicken during the final 5-7 minutes of cooking. Grill the asparagus until it’s tender and has nice char marks. Aim for a vibrant green color, which often indicates it is perfectly cooked.

Plating the Dish

Now that everything is ready, it's time to plate your meal. Begin by adding a generous serving of brown rice to each plate.

Next, add a grilled chicken breast on top of the rice. You can slice it for an appealing presentation. Arrange the grilled asparagus beside the chicken. For an extra pop of flavor, consider garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest.

A beautifully plated meal of grilled chicken, brown rice, and asparagus.

Helpful Cooking Tips

• Marination Time: For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating for a few hours will significantly enhance the taste.

• Cooking Rice: If you want a nuttier flavor, toast the brown rice in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding water or broth. This simple step can bring out deeper flavors.

  
  

• Asparagus Alternatives: If asparagus is out of season or unavailable, you can easily substitute it with vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers.

  
  

• Grilling Method: No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken and asparagus in a grill pan or bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes.

  
  

Enjoy Your Wholesome Meal

Grilled chicken with brown rice and asparagus is a simple yet satisfying meal. It’s filled with nutrients and flavor, making it a fantastic choice for anyone who wants to eat healthily without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for meal prep, entertaining friends, or simply enjoying a good meal by yourself. Relish in the delightful pairing of grilled chicken, fluffy brown rice, and tender asparagus, and feel great about your health-conscious choices.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the combination of fresh ingredients in a delicious, easy-to-make dish!