This hearty and satisfying meal brings together juicy grilled lemon chicken, a smooth creamy sauce, fluffy rice, crispy roasted potatoes, and tender broccoli. It’s a well-balanced dish that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a comforting family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A complete meal with protein, vegetables, and grains all on one plate
• Bright lemon flavor balanced by a rich, creamy sauce
• Simple ingredients that come together in an impressive way
• Easy to prep ahead and perfect for meal planning
• Customizable with different herbs, spices, or sides

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the grilled lemon chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 170 g each
• 60 ml fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

For the creamy sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 80 g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 240 ml cooking cream
• 120 ml chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the rice

• 200 g long-grain white rice
• 480 ml water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the roasted potatoes

• 600 g potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme

For the broccoli

• 400 g broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the oven to 200°C. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 35–40 minutes, turning once, until golden and tender.
3. While the potatoes roast, cook the rice. Rinse the rice, then combine it with water, butter, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.
4. Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Set aside to rest.
5. For the creamy sauce, melt butter with olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
6. Add cooking cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
7. Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes, or until tender with lightly crisp edges.
8. Serve the grilled chicken over rice, drizzle with creamy sauce, and add roasted potatoes and broccoli on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or cream to the sauce when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work very well and stay extra juicy. Adjust grilling time slightly as needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken, rice, and vegetables ahead of time and reheat them before serving. The sauce is best made fresh or gently reheated.

What can I use instead of cooking cream?

You can use thick fresh cream or a mixture of milk and a little flour for a lighter version.

Can I cook the chicken without a grill?

Yes, the chicken can be pan-seared in a skillet or baked in the oven at 200°C for about 20–25 minutes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. Divide everything into portions and store in containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Can I add herbs to the sauce?

Fresh parsley or thyme adds great flavor and freshness to the creamy sauce.

What rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but basmati or jasmine rice also works beautifully.

Can I replace broccoli with another vegetable?

Yes, green beans, zucchini, or carrots are great alternatives.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should be opaque inside with clear juices and reach an internal temperature of 75°C.

Can I reduce the lemon flavor?

If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the lemon juice slightly and skip the lemon zest.

Conclusion

Grilled Lemon Chicken with Creamy Sauce, Rice, Roasted Potatoes, and Broccoli is a complete, comforting meal that delivers both freshness and richness in every bite. With simple steps and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals shared with family and friends.

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