The aroma of sizzling chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the vibrant green of broccoli and the comforting scent of steaming rice. This delightful trio—Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli—creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds and fill your kitchen with warmth.
Picture this: it’s a busy weeknight, and you’re racing against time to whip up something delicious for dinner. Suddenly, you remember this classic dish that never fails to impress! It’s not just about nourishment; it’s about those cozy moments shared around the table, laughter echoing as everyone digs into a hearty bowl of Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also bursts with flavor that pleases every palate
- You can customize it based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for any occasion
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, ensuring it’s a hit at dinner parties or casual meals
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a wholesome lunch or dinner option any day of the week
Ingredients for Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; they cook evenly and soak up flavors beautifully.
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Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for the best texture and taste; they add crunch and nutrition.
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Long-Grain Rice: Opt for basmati or jasmine for aromatic qualities; they pair perfectly with chicken.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows control over saltiness while adding umami depth.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle enhances flavor while keeping everything moist during cooking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Getting Started: First things first! Begin by prepping your ingredients. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they’re ready to absorb all those lovely flavors while cooking.
Cooking the Chicken: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your chicken breasts and sear them until golden brown on both sides—about five minutes each side should do the trick!
Adding Aromatics: Toss in fresh minced garlic once your chicken is beautifully golden. Sauté until fragrant—just about one minute—and let that heavenly aroma fill your kitchen!
Steaming the Broccoli: Add the chopped broccoli along with a splash of water to create steam. Cover with a lid and let it cook for about three to five minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
Cooking the Rice: While that magic happens in the skillet, rinse your long-grain rice under cold water until it runs clear. Then cook according to package instructions, usually around 15 minutes in boiling water.
Bringing It All Together: Once everything is cooked perfectly—fluffy rice, juicy chicken, and tender broccoli—combine them in one glorious bowl. Drizzle low-sodium soy sauce over everything to enhance flavors further.
Serving Up: Serve hot! You can garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if you’re feeling fancy (or if you just want some Instagram-worthy pics).
Enjoying Your Creation: Finally, dive into your homemade Chicken, Rice and Broccoli masterpiece! Feel free to share stories around the dinner table while savoring every delicious bite.
You Must Know
- This amazing Greek chicken marinade offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in moisture. While it’s sizzling away, prepare your rice and steam the broccoli. Multitasking is your best friend here; it keeps everything warm and delicious!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this dish! Swap out brown rice for quinoa, add some spicy red pepper flakes, or toss in nuts for extra crunch. Make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or sauté on low heat until warmed through to keep everything juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Searing the chicken first helps lock in juices, keeping it tender and flavorful
- Don’t overcook the broccoli; a quick steam will keep it vibrant and crunchy
- Always taste as you go to adjust flavors according to your preference!
Sometimes, I whip this dish up when friends come over. Their faces light up with joy when they taste that marinated chicken—it’s pure happiness on a plate!
FAQs :
What are the health benefits of Chicken, Rice and Broccoli?
Chicken, rice, and broccoli provide a balanced meal rich in protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins. The chicken is an excellent source of lean protein which helps build muscle. Broccoli offers vitamins C and K, along with fiber that aids digestion. Rice serves as a great energy source due to its carbohydrate content. Together, these ingredients support overall health by promoting muscle growth, aiding digestion, and providing essential nutrients.
How can I spice up Chicken, Rice and Broccoli?
To enhance the flavor of chicken, rice, and broccoli, consider adding herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. You might also incorporate soy sauce or teriyaki sauce for an Asian twist. Experimenting with lemon juice or fresh herbs can bring brightness to the dish. Create different flavor profiles by using marinades for the chicken or adding nuts for crunch.
Can I make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare chicken, rice, and broccoli ahead of time for meal prep. Cook the chicken thoroughly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cooked rice can also be stored separately or mixed with the other ingredients. Reheat your portions in the microwave or on the stove when ready to serve. This makes it easy to enjoy a nutritious meal throughout the week.
What is the best way to cook Chicken, Rice and Broccoli?
The best way to cook chicken, rice, and broccoli is by steaming or sautéing. Start by cooking the rice according to package instructions while you sauté seasoned chicken in a pan until golden brown. Add broccoli florets toward the end of cooking to retain their crispness. This method ensures that all components are flavorful while maintaining their nutritional value.
Conclusion for Chicken, Rice and Broccoli :
Chicken, rice, and broccoli create a wholesome meal packed with nutrition. The combination provides ample protein from chicken while offering energy from rice and essential vitamins from broccoli. You can easily customize this dish by adding various spices or sauces based on personal preferences. Preparing this dish ahead of time allows for convenient meals during busy weeks. Enjoying this trio not only satisfies hunger but also supports your health goals effectively.
Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli is a wholesome, one-pan meal that combines juicy chicken breasts, colorful broccoli, and fluffy rice. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering both nutrition and comfort in every bite. With vibrant flavors and customizable options, it’s a family favorite that makes dinner enjoyable and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup long-grain rice (uncooked)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Water for steaming
Instructions
- Cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped broccoli with a splash of water to steam; cover and cook for 3–5 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Cook rice according to package instructions (approximately 15 minutes).
- Combine cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice in a bowl; drizzle with soy sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (375g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Substitute brown rice for quinoa or add spices like red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
