Delicious Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Recipe for Comfort

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Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli is the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly with wholesome goodness. Picture tender chicken bathed in a savory sauce, fluffy rice soaking up all those delicious flavors, and vibrant green broccoli adding a pop of color. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have your neighbors wondering what gourmet feast you’re whipping up.

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For me, Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli is a nostalgic meal that takes me back to family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This delightful Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
  • Its savory flavor profile satisfies all taste buds while looking stunning on your dinner plate
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand!

Ingredients for Chicken, Rice and Broccoli

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use 3-4 chicken breasts; however, feel free to adjust the amount based on how many people you’re feeding.

  • Fresh Broccoli: Choose vibrant green florets; they should be firm and without yellowing for the best taste and texture.

  • Long-Grain White Rice: I prefer jasmine rice for its fragrant aroma; it complements the dish beautifully.

  • Chicken Broth: Using low-sodium broth lets you control the saltiness while enhancing the chicken flavor.

  • Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep the dish flavorful without overpowering it with salt.

  • Fresh Garlic: Choose firm garlic cloves to impart a robust flavor throughout the dish.

For the Sauce:

  • Honey: A touch of sweetness balances the savory elements perfectly; use pure honey for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Chicken, Rice and Broccoli

How to Make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli

Let’s break down this culinary adventure into manageable steps that’ll make you feel like a kitchen rock star.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces while imagining yourself as a broccoli ninja. You want them uniform so that they cook evenly. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear—like giving it a refreshing spa day.

Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering like your favorite disco ball at an ’80s party, toss in diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook them until golden brown and cooked through—about five minutes per side should do it! The sound of sizzling chicken will make your mouth water.

Steaming the Broccoli

Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet (don’t worry; we’ll be reuniting soon). In that same skillet with those fabulous drippings left behind, add your broccoli florets along with a splash of chicken broth. Cover it with a lid and let it steam for about five minutes until bright green and tender-crisp—like they just stepped off a health magazine cover.

Cooking the Rice

While that’s happening, use another pot to cook your rice. Combine rinsed rice with two cups of chicken broth in a saucepan over high heat. Once boiling like your excitement about dinner being served soon, reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy clouds of rice form—a sight worth celebrating!

Combining All Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! Carefully fold in cooked chicken back into that skillet with broccoli. Add soy sauce and honey; mix well until everything is coated in sticky goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous (and who doesn’t?), toss in some sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Serving Your Dish

Scoop generous portions of fluffy rice onto plates and top with that glorious chicken-broccoli mixture. Watch as colors mingle together like old friends meeting again after years apart! Garnish with chopped green onions if desired to add freshness—because who doesn’t love extra flair?

Enjoying Every Bite

Finally, dig in! Take that first bite filled with tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and luscious rice—you might just hear angels sing or at least feel blissfully satisfied! Feel free to share (or not) because sometimes food is meant for indulging solo after a long day.

So there you have it! A simple yet delicious Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli recipe perfect for any night of the week or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat in the kitchen. Enjoy every flavorful 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

First, sear the chicken to lock in those savory juices. While it cooks, steam your broccoli until it’s vibrant green and tender. Meanwhile, prepare the rice according to package instructions, and voilà! Your meal is efficiently coming together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the broccoli for asparagus or green beans if they’re more your style. Want some extra zing? Add a splash of lemon juice or sprinkle some parmesan cheese over the top just before serving!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always rest your chicken after cooking; this lets the juices redistribute for a tender bite
  • Use fresh broccoli for better flavor and nutrition
  • Don’t skip seasoning your rice; it makes all the difference!

Sometimes, my friends rave about this dish so much that I feel like a culinary rockstar! One friend even requested it for her birthday dinner—no pressure, right? It turned out to be a hit!

FAQs:

What are the health benefits of Chicken, Rice and Broccoli?

Chicken, rice, and broccoli create a balanced meal packed with nutrients. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build muscle and supports metabolism. Rice provides essential carbohydrates for energy, while broccoli is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This combination can promote overall health, aid in weight management, and enhance digestive health.

How can I prepare Chicken, Rice and Broccoli quickly?

To prepare chicken, rice, and broccoli quickly, start by cooking rice according to package instructions. While the rice cooks, season chicken breasts with your favorite spices and sauté them in a pan until golden brown and cooked through. In the last few minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to steam them until tender. Combine everything together for a nutritious meal in under 30 minutes.

Can I make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli ahead of time?

Yes! Making chicken, rice, and broccoli ahead of time is a great idea for meal prep. Cook the ingredients in bulk and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat portions in the microwave or on the stovetop. This makes it easy to enjoy healthy meals throughout the week without spending extra time cooking each day.

What are some variations of Chicken, Rice and Broccoli?

You can easily customize chicken, rice, and broccoli to suit your taste preferences. Try adding different sauces like teriyaki or garlic butter for added flavor. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for extra nutrition. Additionally, consider incorporating other vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas to enhance color and texture while keeping the same base recipe.

Conclusion for Chicken, Rice and Broccoli:

In summary, chicken, rice, and broccoli provide a delicious and nutritious meal that is easy to prepare. This dish offers numerous health benefits thanks to its balanced combination of lean protein from chicken, energy-boosting carbohydrates from rice, and fiber-rich vegetables from broccoli. With various preparation methods and flavor variations available, you can enjoy this wholesome dish regularly while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli is a comforting and nutritious dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. Delight in the blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup long-grain jasmine rice
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients. Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces and rinse rice until the water runs clear.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add broccoli and a splash of chicken broth. Cover and steam for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  4. Meanwhile, cook rice by combining it with 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan over high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with broccoli, adding soy sauce and honey; mix until well combined.
  6. Serve generous portions of rice topped with the chicken-broccoli mixture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Skillet Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 67g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

 

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