Name: n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp Dijon mustard; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tsp paprika; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1½ cups brown rice; 3 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 small garlic clove; Black pepper, to taste; 1–2 tbsp warm water to thin; ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ cup cucumber, diced; ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced; Fresh parsley or dill for garnish; Lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a meal that feels like sunshine on a plate, you have to try this Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken Brown Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce. Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce brings together perfectly grilled, tangy chicken, nutty brown rice, and a creamy, zesty sauce that feels both refreshing and comforting. It’s a dish that’s deceptively simple to make yet impressive enough to serve any day of the week or for entertaining friends. I promise, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the beautiful harmony of flavors and the bright, fresh finish this bowl offers.

n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the basics right is the key to making this dish shine. Each ingredient plays a distinct role, from the juicy grilled chicken to the creamy, tangy sauce, not to mention the wholesome brown rice that acts as the perfect base.

Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, thick cuts to ensure juicy, tender pieces after grilling.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend flavors in the marinade and sauce.
Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle heat and depth to the chicken marinade.
Fresh lemon juice and zest: Essential for bright, citrusy notes balancing the richness of feta and chicken.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for a punch of flavor in both chicken and sauce.
Dried oregano and paprika: These spices add herbal warmth and a hint of smokiness to the chicken.
Salt & black pepper: Simple but vital seasonings for enhancing every element.
Brown rice: Nutty and chewy, it provides hearty texture and acts as the nourishing base.
Crumbled feta cheese: For that creamy, salty tang that makes the yogurt sauce unforgettable.
Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a cool, silky balance to the feta’s bold flavor.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion: Fresh, crisp toppings to provide contrast and color.
Fresh parsley or dill: Bright, herby garnish to elevate the presentation and flavor.
Lemon wedges: For an extra squeeze of fresh citrus when serving.

How to Make n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

Step 1: Perfect the Brown Rice

Start by rinsing the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy, separated grains. Then bring the water or low-sodium chicken broth with salt to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer gently for about 35 to 40 minutes until perfectly tender. Fluff with a fork to keep things light and ready to soak up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 2: Marinate the Grilled Lemon Dijon Chicken

Whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice and zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to form a vibrant marinade. Coat the chicken breasts evenly and let them sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb every bit of that luscious citrus and spice blend. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with mouthwatering flavor before it hits the grill.

Step 3: Grill Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium heat. Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden with slight char marks. Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute—this step ensures every bite is juicy and tender.

Step 4: Blend the Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

In a food processor or blender, combine the crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon juice and zest, a small garlic clove, and freshly cracked black pepper. Blend everything until smooth and creamy, then add warm water one tablespoon at a time to thin out the sauce to the ideal consistency for drizzling. This sauce is the heart and soul of the n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce, giving it that irresistible tang and creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble the Rice Bowl

Start by dividing the fluffy brown rice into serving bowls. Layer on the sliced grilled chicken, then add fresh halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion for brightness and crunch. Generously drizzle the luscious lemon feta yogurt sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill and a lemon wedge on the side for an optional squeeze of extra zest.

How to Serve n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs are your best friends here. Parsley and dill add a lively, aromatic touch that elevates the entire bowl. Don’t underestimate the power of those lemon wedges either—they give anyone eating the bowl the option to add more citrus punch, which pairs beautifully with the feta yogurt sauce and grilled chicken flavors.

Side Dishes

This bowl is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, light Mediterranean sides like a simple cucumber salad, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad with olives and tomatoes pair perfectly. They bring extra freshness and keep the meal feeling balanced and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce in hollowed-out lemon halves or vibrant bowls to highlight the bright, fresh colors. You can also turn it into a wrap by spooning the ingredients into warm flatbread for a handheld, picnic-friendly option. It’s a versatile dish that shines whether plated for a casual family dinner or an impressive lunch for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the grilled chicken, rice, and sauce separately in airtight containers inside the fridge. This keeps the textures fresh and prevents the sauce from making the rice soggy. Leftovers should be good for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The grilled chicken and brown rice freeze well if you want to prepare portions ahead of time. Freeze the cooked chicken and rice separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. The lemon feta yogurt sauce, however, is best made fresh, as freezing can affect its texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and rice gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture. Add the lemon feta yogurt sauce fresh after reheating for the best flavor experience. Avoid reheating the sauce to keep it creamy and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and a bit more richness to your bowl. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to grill through.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the grilled chicken for roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version that still pairs beautifully with the lemon feta yogurt sauce.

What can I substitute if I don’t have feta cheese?

A tangy, crumbly cheese like goat cheese makes a great substitute, or you can use ricotta salata for a milder flavor. Keep in mind the sauce’s balance will shift slightly depending on the cheese you choose.

How spicy is the dish?

This n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce is not spicy. The flavors are bright, fresh, and savory without heat. If you want to add a bit of spice, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade or sauce can easily do the trick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the brown rice and grill the chicken a day ahead. Store separately and reheat as needed. The lemon feta yogurt sauce is best whipped up fresh to keep its creamy texture and bright flavor.

Final Thoughts

This n Rice Bowl with Lemon Feta Yogurt Sauce has quickly become one of my favorite go-to meals because it’s packed with flavor, nourishing, and so satisfying. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough to make when you want to treat yourself or guests. Give it a try, and I promise it will brighten up your mealtime with every delicious bite!