Have you ever wondered how to make a hearty and healthy meal without a long list of ingredients or multiple pots and pans? The answer is simple: One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli. This easy recipe packs all the flavors you love into a single pan while saving you time on cleanup. With chicken, rice, and broccoli, this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a great balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients. Let’s dive into how you can prepare this delicious meal in no time!

Ingredients List

To make your One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts – 2 large pieces, skinless and boneless. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
• Rice – 1 cup of long-grain white rice. You can substitute this with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
• Broccoli – 2 cups, chopped into florets. Frozen broccoli can also work well in this recipe.
• Chicken Broth – 2 cups to cook the rice and add flavor. You can use vegetable broth or water as a substitute.
• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon, for cooking the chicken.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for a savory base flavor.
• Onion – 1 small onion, chopped.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste.
• Lemon Zest and Juice – For a refreshing finish.

Optional additions:

• Cheese – A handful of grated Parmesan or mozzarella, for a cheesy topping.
• Herbs – Fresh thyme or parsley for added flavor and garnish.

Timing

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

This recipe is designed to be quick and easy, taking significantly less time than most traditional meals. It allows you to make a full, balanced meal in about 30 minutes, which is approximately 20% faster than many typical one-pan recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by chopping your broccoli into florets and dicing the onion. Mince the garlic, zest the lemon, and slice the chicken breasts into thin pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step builds the flavor base for your rice.

Step 4: Add Rice and Broth

Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat it in the flavors from the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Make sure the rice is evenly spread in the pan. Cover the pan and let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking, place your broccoli florets on top of the rice. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender.

Step 6: Combine the Chicken

Once the rice and broccoli are done, return the chicken to the pan on top of the rice. Let everything cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and squeeze lemon juice over the dish, followed by the lemon zest. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella cheese over the top. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

This One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli provides a well-balanced meal with the following approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 550mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make this meal even healthier? Here are a few swaps you can try:

• Brown Rice or Quinoa: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer juicier chicken, opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish light and nutritious.
• Non-Dairy Cheese: If you’re avoiding dairy, try vegan cheese or skip it altogether for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ways to serve your One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli that will impress your guests and family:

• Add a side salad: A light, refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish.
• Serve with a drizzle of olive oil: A final touch of high-quality olive oil will add a rich flavor and healthy fats.
• Top with nuts or seeds: For some extra crunch, sprinkle roasted almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken until it’s just done. Overcooking it can make the chicken dry and tough.
• Skipping the Broth: The chicken broth is essential to flavor the rice. Don’t substitute it with just water unless necessary.
• Not Stirring the Rice Enough: Stir the rice after adding it to the skillet to avoid it sticking to the bottom and burning.
• Using Too Much Liquid: If you use too much broth or water, your rice could become mushy. Stick to the recipe’s measurements for best results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This recipe makes great leftovers, which you can store for later. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or reheat in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken, rice, and broccoli in individual servings for up to 2 months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly to avoid undercooking.

For more delicious cooking ideas and recipes, be sure to explore the full collection on our website!

Conclusion

This One-Pan Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to prepare a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Call to Action: Try this recipe tonight and let us know how it turned out! Share your feedback in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more quick, tasty meals.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it first for even cooking.

2. Can I substitute the rice with something else?

Absolutely! You can use quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb alternative.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to give the dish a spicy kick.

4. Can I use other vegetables in this dish?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini based on your preferences.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for it to be fully cooked.