Oven-Roasted Chicken with Fluffy Rice & Fresh Salad 🍗🍚🥗


A complete, flavorful meal with juicy honey-glazed chicken, perfectly fluffy rice, and a bright, herby salad—ready in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy, crispy-skinned chicken with a smoky-spice marinade
Restaurant-quality basmati rice (no mush, just fluffy grains!)
Fresh, zesty salad to balance the richness
Meal-prep friendly—marinate chicken ahead for faster cooking


📝 Ingredients

For the Roasted Chicken

  • 1 chicken leg quarter (thigh + drumstick)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh for best flavor)
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional for sticky-sweet glaze)

For the Fluffy Rice

  • 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed well!)
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp butter or olive oil

For the Fresh Salad

  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, pepper, and salt.
  • Coat the chicken evenly and marinate 30+ minutes (or overnight for max flavor).

2️⃣ Roast to Perfection

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place chicken on a parchment-lined tray and roast 35-40 mins.
  • Optional: Brush with honey in the last 10 mins for a caramelized glaze.

3️⃣ Cook the Rice

  • Rinse rice until water runs clear (key for fluffiness!).
  • Boil water, add rice, salt, and butter. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 15 mins.
  • Let rest 5 mins, then fluff with a fork.

4️⃣ Toss the Salad

  • Combine cucumber, tomato, parsley, dill, olive oil, lemon juice, salt & pepper.
  • Toss lightly—keep it crisp!

5️⃣ Plate & Serve

  • Layer rice, top with golden chicken, and add salad on the side.
  • Pro tip: Serve on a bed of greens for extra freshness!

Prep Time: 15 mins | 🔥 Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
📊 Calories: ~600/serving | Protein: ~45g


💡 Expert Tips

Crispy skin hack: Pat chicken dry before marinating.
Rice substitute: Quinoa or cauliflower rice for lower-carb.
Extra flavor: Add minced garlic to the salad.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with tzatziki or garlic yogurt sauce.
  • Great with grilled veggies or warm pita bread.

📌 Save This Recipe!

#RoastedChicken #HealthyMeal #EasyDinner #MealPrep #BalancedEating


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