Description
Chicken and rice for busy weeknight dinners is your go-to recipe for a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort after a hectic day. This dish features tender chicken simmered with fluffy rice and vibrant vegetables, all seasoned to perfection. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a delightful blend of flavors that will have your family asking for seconds. Say goodbye to dinner stress and hello to this deliciously simple dish that transforms your weeknight cooking!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh vegetables (bell peppers, peas, or carrots)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Rinse the rice under cold water until clear.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Cook until golden brown on both sides (5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh vegetables. Sauté until softened but still crunchy (3-5 minutes).
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil. Nestle chicken back into the pan, cover tightly, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
- Fluff It Up: After cooking, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes before fluffing rice with a fork.
- Serve It Right: Portion onto plates or bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (350g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Substitute quinoa for rice for a healthier option or add frozen peas/corn for extra color. Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor; try adding spices like Cajun seasoning for a kick.