Are you craving a delicious, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This Healthy Chicken and Rice recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will satisfy your taste buds, fuel your body, and impress even the pickiest eaters. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked brown rice, and vibrant vegetables - proving that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly delectable!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and mostly cooked through.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the skillet and sauté with chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes until peppers start to soften.
- Pour brown rice into the skillet and stir to combine with chicken and peppers, allowing rice to lightly toast for 1 minute.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer covered for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture to steam.
- Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Fluff rice with a fork, check seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, portioning into four equal servings, ensuring each plate has a balanced mix of chicken, rice, and vegetables.
Tips
- Prep is Key: Ensure all ingredients are chopped and ready before you start cooking to make the process smooth and stress-free.
- Chicken Cutting Technique: Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Toasting Rice Trick: Allow the rice to lightly toast in the skillet before adding broth - this helps develop a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Use the exact ratio of chicken broth to brown rice to achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time.
- Don't Peek Too Much: When simmering, keep the lid on to trap steam and ensure the rice cooks evenly.
- Steaming Vegetables: Adding broccoli in the last 5 minutes preserves its bright color and prevents overcooking.
- Resting Period: Let the dish sit covered for 5 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and rice to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Season Carefully: Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to ensure perfect seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 329kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 39g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 93mg
