Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its savory chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant green broccoli. savory meatball rice bake The aroma wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful meal that warms the soul and satisfies hunger in one fell swoop.
Picture this: after a long day of adulting, you stroll into your kitchen, ready to whip up something quick yet scrumptious. You open the fridge and discover those ingredients staring back at you like old friends. Chicken, rice, and broccoli—it’s like a culinary reunion waiting to happen! This dish is perfect for weeknights when you need a hearty meal but don’t want to spend hours cooking. Plus, it brings back memories of family dinners where laughter filled the air while deliciousness was served. For more inspiration, check out this one pan chicken recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chicken, Rice and Broccoli recipe makes meal prep easy and enjoyable
- It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite spices or sauces
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends
I’ll never forget the time I made this dish for my friends during a game night; their faces lit up as they took their first bites!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
- Long-Grain White Rice: This variety cooks perfectly fluffy and absorbs all the flavors.
- Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for optimal taste and texture.
- Garlic Powder: This adds an aromatic depth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of soy sauce brings umami goodness to this simple dish.
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness to your meal.
- Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors in every bite.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter—this makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces; they’ll cook evenly this way.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the hot pan. stuffed pepper variations Cook until golden brown on both sides—about 5-7 minutes each.
Add Garlic Powder and Rice: Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle garlic powder over it. Pour in rice and mix well until all grains are coated with flavor.
Pour in Chicken Broth and Soy Sauce: Add chicken broth along with soy sauce to the skillet. Bring everything to a gentle simmer; cover with a lid to allow rice to absorb all that tasty liquid.
Add Broccoli Florets: After about 10 minutes of simmering, add those beautiful green broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture. Cover again for 5 more minutes until broccoli is tender yet crisp.
Serve It Up!: Once everything’s cooked, fluff up the rice with a fork before serving! Plate it up with pride as you savor that beautiful rainbow of flavors.
Enjoy your Chicken, Rice and Broccoli creation! Each bite should transport you back to comforting times filled with laughter and warmth around your dinner table. balsamic chicken recipe.
You Must Know
- Chicken, rice, and broccoli create a delightful trifecta of flavor and nutrition
- This dish is perfect for meal prep, easily customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser
- The aromas fill your kitchen with warmth, making it an ideal choice for cozy family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the rice while you season and sear the chicken to perfection. Once browned, add broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out broccoli for other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. Experiment with spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning to elevate the flavors to your liking. seasonal roasted carrots.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until heated through, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid dry chicken, marinate it beforehand
- Use fresh veggies for better texture and color
- Always taste your dish before serving; adjustments can make a huge difference!
Sharing my first attempt at Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli still brings a smile. My friends called it “gourmet,” but I knew it was just beginner’s luck!
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli?
Yes! Just add it during the last few minutes of cooking for best results.
How can I make Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli healthier?
Choose brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrients.
What can I serve with Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli?
Consider a refreshing side salad or some crusty bread to complement this dish perfectly.
Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli is a comforting, nutritious dish perfect for busy weeknights. This simple yet flavorful meal combines succulent chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all infused with savory seasonings. Ready in just under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for a quick dinner that the whole family will love. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for an easy recipe to impress friends, this dish satisfies cravings while delivering wholesome goodness.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping broccoli into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
- Sprinkle garlic powder over the cooked chicken, then add rice and mix until coated.
- Pour in chicken broth and soy sauce; bring to a gentle simmer and cover to allow rice to absorb liquid.
- After 10 minutes, add broccoli on top of the rice mixture; cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until broccoli is tender yet crisp.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving; enjoy your vibrant Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli dish!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skilleting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute broccoli with other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for variety. Marinate chicken beforehand for enhanced flavor and juiciness.
