chicken rice and broccoli recipe

Easy Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli Recipe for a Quick Dinner

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As a busy parent, I know how hard it is to make a good meal every day. That’s why I’m excited to share this easy chicken rice and broccoli recipe. It’s a hit with my family and is packed with protein and nutrients.

This recipe has been tested many times to get it just right. It’s delicious and easy to make. With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a healthy meal ready fast.

Introduction to Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli

Looking for a healthy meal that’s great for families? This chicken, rice, and broccoli recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a balanced dinner with lean protein, complex carbs, and veggies.

Why Choose This Recipe?

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized. You can change the flavors to your liking. It’s great for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Health Benefits of Chicken and Broccoli

Chicken helps build and repair muscles. Broccoli is full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Together, they make a nutritious meal that’s good for your diet.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can store leftovers and reheat them. Make a big batch on the weekend for easy meals all week.

Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories434 kcal
Carbohydrates45g
Protein27g
Fat16g
Saturated Fat8g
Cholesterol78mg
Sodium810mg
Potassium623mg
Fiber3g
Sugar5g
Vitamin A747IU
Vitamin C42mg
Calcium331mg
Iron1mg

“This chicken, rice, and broccoli dish is a weeknight lifesaver. It’s so easy to make, and the leftovers are just as delicious.”

Ingredients Needed

To make this protein-packed and low-carb chicken, rice, and broccoli dish, you’ll need some fresh ingredients. You’ll also want some optional add-ins for extra flavor. Let’s look at what you’ll need before you start.

Fresh Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 4 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese

Optional Ingredients for Flavor

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1-2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  1. A large skillet or pan with a lid
  2. Measuring cups and spoons
  3. A cheese grater

With these fresh, protein-packed, and low-carb ingredients, and a few simple tools, you’re ready to make a delicious and nutritious meal. Now, let’s follow the step-by-step cooking instructions!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a tasty one-pot easy dinner with chicken, rice, and broccoli is easy. Just follow these steps to make a flavorful and healthy one-pot meal quickly.

Preparing the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken thighs in olive oil, lemon juice, and your favorite spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook the marinated chicken in a large skillet or Dutch oven until it’s golden brown on both sides.

Cooking the Rice

After that, add the basmati rice and chicken stock to the skillet. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is gone.

Steaming the Broccoli

While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets until they’re tender but still crisp. You can use a steamer basket or add the broccoli to the skillet with the rice for the last 5 minutes.

Combining All Ingredients

Finally, add the heavy cream and any extra seasonings you like. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to blend the flavors. Serve it hot and enjoy your tasty one-pot meal!

This simple recipe lets you make a healthy easy dinner quickly. The mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli makes a balanced and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Tips for Flavorful Chicken Rice

Boosting the taste of your chicken and rice dish is simple. Begin by marinating the chicken in a mix of seasonings. This will give it a delicious flavor.

Marinating the Chicken

For a family-friendly and comfort food treat, marinate the chicken. Use salt, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak into the meat.

Spices and Herbs to Enhance Flavor

To make the dish even better, add more spices and herbs. Paprika, rosemary, basil, or oregano are great choices. These will make the chicken and rice taste amazing, perfect for a comfort food meal.

NutrientAmount per Serving
Protein33g
Calories400kcal
Carbohydrates42g
Total Fat11g
Sodium596mg
Fiber4g
Sugar9g
Cholesterol73mg
Potassium983mg
Vitamin A666IU
Vitamin C93mg
Calcium77mg
Iron2mg
Chicken rice and broccoli dish

“Marinating the chicken is the key to unlocking the full flavor potential of this family-friendly dish.”

Variations of Chicken Rice and Broccoli

The classic chicken, rice, and broccoli dish is very versatile. You can make it zesty with teriyaki or add a lemon-garlic twist. This recipe lets you explore many flavors and keep your taste buds excited.

Teriyaki Chicken Variant

Try a teriyaki twist by mixing soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic. Marinate the chicken in this sweet and savory mix. Then, cook it with the rice and broccoli for a flavor that takes you to Asia.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Option

For a zesty dish, try the lemon garlic chicken. Add lemon zest and juice, plus more garlic. The citrus will enhance the chicken and broccoli, making a refreshing meal.

You can also try different veggies like frozen peas, corn, or mixed vegetables. This makes the chicken rice and broccoli recipe even more fun to customize.

Serving Suggestions

This easy dinner of chicken, rice, and broccoli is great on its own. But, adding a few simple side dishes can make it even better. Try serving it with cornbread, pumpkin muffins, or a fresh green salad. These options enhance the flavors and textures.

For an extra kick, drizzle the dish with hot sauce, soy sauce, or creamy garlic sauce. These sauces add a delicious twist to the meal.

Best Side Dishes

  • Cornbread
  • Pumpkin muffins
  • Fried apples
  • Fresh green salad
  1. Hot sauce
  2. Soy sauce
  3. Creamy garlic sauce

These side dishes and sauces can turn this easy dinner into a more satisfying comfort food meal. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Chicken Rice Broccoli Dish

Storing Leftovers

Enjoying a meal of chicken, rice, and broccoli is even better with leftovers. To keep your meal prep tasty, use the right storage methods. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. This way, you can enjoy this healthy dish all week long.

Reheating Tips

When reheating your leftovers, a few steps can keep them delicious. To keep the rice moist, add broth or milk before heating. Heat the dish in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or microwave for 1 minute. This keeps your meal moist and flavorful.

Freezing this dish isn’t recommended because the rice and broccoli can lose texture. By following these tips, you can enjoy the chicken, rice, and broccoli recipe for days. It’s a great, family-friendly meal prep choice.

Nutritional Information

This protein-packed, low-carb, and healthy chicken, rice, and broccoli dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Per serving (1/3 of the recipe), this meal contains approximately 446 calories, 41 grams of protein, 32 grams of carbohydrates, and 16 grams of fat.

Calories and Macronutrients

The lean protein-packed chicken provides a significant portion of the protein in this dish, while the rice offers slow-digesting carbs for sustained energy. The broccoli adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this a well-balanced and healthy meal.

Health Benefits

  • The protein-packed chicken supports muscle growth and repair.
  • The rice provides complex carbohydrates, which help maintain steady blood sugar levels.
  • Broccoli is rich in antioxidants, fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and iron, promoting overall health and immune function.
  • The dish also contains vitamins B3, B6, and minerals like phosphorus and potassium.

This low-carb, healthy meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients to fuel your body and support your wellness goals.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on the Recipe

This chicken, rice, and broccoli recipe is great for busy nights or meal prep. It’s full of protein, carbs, and veggies, making it healthy. The one-pan method is easy and saves time on cleaning.

You can also change it up to fit your taste and diet. This makes it a favorite in many kitchens.

Encouragement to Try and Customize

If you need a family-friendly easy dinner or a chicken rice and broccoli recipe that works for you, try this. You can add different proteins, veggies, and spices to make it yours. It’s tasty and easy to make, so it’s a great choice for your kitchen.

FAQ

What is the total preparation and cooking time for this recipe?

It takes about 30 minutes to cook in total.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe serves 6 people.

What are the key ingredients in this chicken, rice, and broccoli dish?

The main ingredients are boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, long-grain white rice, broccoli florets, chicken broth, and cheese.

Can I make substitutions or variations to this recipe?

Yes, you can change ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep. You can store leftovers and reheat them easily.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

Marinate the chicken before cooking or use a simple dry rub of seasonings.

What are some recommended side dishes to serve with this recipe?

Serve it alone or with sides like cornbread, pumpkin muffins, fried apples, or a fresh green salad.

How long can I store the leftovers, and how should I reheat them?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat by adding broth or milk to prevent drying. Use a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes or microwave for about 1 minute.

What are the nutritional benefits of this dish?

It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and full of nutrients from chicken, broccoli, and cheese. It’s a balanced and nutritious meal.

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