High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken breast paired with a fragrant spiced rice pilaf inspired by the diverse experiences of high school life. This mediterranean-inspired middle eastern (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.0 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and the juices run clear. Remove from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, sauté 1 finely chopped small onion in 1 tbsp olive oil (reserved from the rub if desired) for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  4. Step 4: Add the rice, 2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 cup raisins to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove rice from heat and fluff with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro. Plate the grilled chicken alongside the spiced rice pilaf and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is High School Grilled Chicken with Spiced Rice Pilaf gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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