Mediterranean Chicken and Yellow Rice with Creamy White Sauce

Bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your kitchen with this delicious and satisfying Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Bowl. Tender marinated chicken is served over fragrant yellow rice and topped with a creamy garlic white sauce. Complete the meal with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for a colorful and balanced dish.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or anyone looking for a protein-packed meal bursting with flavor.

Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients

• 8 to 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, coriander, cumin, turmeric, chili powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat evenly.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
4. Preheat your oven's broiler.
5. Arrange the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.
6. Broil for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Alternatively, cook in an air fryer at 380°F for 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.
8. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Yellow Rice
Ingredients

• 1½ cups basmati or jasmine rice
• 2¼ cups chicken bone broth
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• pinch of  black pepper
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. Add the rice, chicken bone broth, cumin, turmeric, salt, and bay leaf to a rice cooker.
3. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Once cooked, remove the bay leaf and fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Creamy White Sauce
Ingredients

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons water

Directions

1. Add the Greek yogurt to a small mixing bowl.
2. Stir in the mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Add the crushed garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, pepper, and honey.
4. Add the water and whisk until creamy and well combined.
5. If the sauce is too thick, add additional water, one teaspoon at a time, until your desired consistency is reached.
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

To Serve
Divide the yellow rice among serving bowls. Top with sliced Mediterranean chicken and garnish with:

• Sliced cucumbers
• Diced tomatoes
• Thinly sliced red onions

Finish with a generous drizzle of the creamy white sauce.

Meal Prep Tip
​This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store the chicken, rice, vegetables, and sauce separately in airtight containers, then assemble them throughout the week for quick lunches and dinners.
Protein Variations. Don't have chicken thighs? Try these delicious alternatives:

• Chicken breast, cut into cubes
• Pork loin, cubed
• Turkey breast
• Shrimp
• Firm tofu for a vegetarian option

Simply use the same marinade and adjust cooking times as needed.
Dianne's Kitchen Tip: The secret to restaurant-style Mediterranean chicken is letting the marinade do its magic. If possible, marinate overnight for a deeper flavor and more tender chicken. Pairing the seasoned chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy garlic sauce creates the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition.