Looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that comes together in just one pot? Say hello to the "Healthy One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice"! This mouthwatering dish is not only packed with flavor but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all cooked together in a savory broth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, it only takes 35 minutes from start to finish! Ready to impress your taste buds and simplify your dinner routine? Let’s dive into this wholesome recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, chopping onion finely, mincing garlic, and cutting broccoli into small florets.
- Heat olive oil in a large one-pot skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
- Place diced chicken breast into the skillet, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook chicken until it turns white and begins to brown, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to combine with chicken and onions, allowing rice to lightly toast for 1-2 minutes.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, ensuring all ingredients are well-distributed. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer covered for approximately 15-18 minutes, or until rice is nearly tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Add broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture, cover again, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to finish cooking.
- Fluff rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot in individual portions.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop all your ingredients ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker when you're ready to start.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and broccoli will elevate the flavors of this dish. If you can, avoid frozen options for the best texture and taste.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Seasoning the chicken well while cooking will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Toast the Rice: Allow the rice to toast for a couple of minutes before adding the broth. This step adds a nutty flavor that makes the dish even more delicious.
- Check for Doneness: When the rice is nearly tender, taste it to ensure it's cooked to your liking. If it needs a bit more time, add a splash of broth and cover it again.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and ensures the rice finishes cooking perfectly.
- Serve with a Twist: For added flavor, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 304kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 93mg
