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Grilled chicken rice bowl with cheddar cheese sauce and broccoli.

Ultimate Grilled Chicken & Rice Bowl

A vibrant and soul-warming bowl that bridges the gap between Mediterranean freshness and classic comfort. Featuring lean grilled chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and a velvety homemade cheddar sauce, it’s a balanced 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights or healthy meal prepping.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Middle Eastern
Calories: 580
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Rice:
  • 4 chicken breasts 600g, sliced into strips
  • 1 tsp each: Garlic powder paprika, salt, black pepper
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 250 g Basmati or Jasmine rice
  • 300 g Broccoli florets
  • Fresh thyme for garnish
For the Cheddar Sauce:
  • 2 tbsp Butter
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 400 ml Milk
  • 150 g Sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 50 g Mozzarella cheese
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Rice: Cook rice in salted water according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
  2. Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 4–5 mins until tender-crisp.
  3. Chicken: Rub chicken strips with oil and spices. Grill over medium-high heat for 5–7 mins per side until internal temp reaches 74 degree C.
  4. Roux: Melt butter in a pan, whisk in flour for 1 min.
  5. Sauce: Slowly whisk in milk until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until smooth.
  6. Assemble: Layer rice, chicken, and broccoli. Drizzle with sauce and garnish with thyme.

Notes

  • The "Lump-Free" Secret: Always add your milk gradually to the flour-butter mixture (roux). Whisking constantly in the beginning ensures the starch granules separate, resulting in a professional-grade silkiness.
  • Vegetable Variations: If broccoli isn't on hand, roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach works beautifully with the cheddar profile.
  • Grain Swap: For the most authentic Mediterranean Diet experience, substitute white rice with farro or bulgur wheat.
  • Internal Linking Note: If you want to lean further into the Mediterranean side, try serving this alongside a Traditional Greek Salad to add a refreshing, acidic crunch that balances the rich cheese sauce.