Easy Chicken and Rice (50 Minutes)

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Dive into a plate full of colors and flavors with this easy chicken and vegetable rice dish. The chicken, seasoned with an array of aromatic herbs, pairs perfectly with the wholesome rice studded with vibrant carrots and broccoli. It’s a simple yet gratifying meal that comes together in less than an hour, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 whole chicken breasts
  • 1 cup white rice (Basmati or Jasmine work well)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped into rounds
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish if desired

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken (5 minutes): Rub the chicken breasts with garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper ensuring they’re well-coated. Let them marinate while you proceed with the rice.
  2. Cook the Rice with Vegetables (20 minutes): In a pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer. Halfway through the rice cooking, mix in the carrots and broccoli. Cover the pot and allow the rice and veggies to cook until the rice is fluffy and the vegetables are tender.
  3. Sear the Chicken (15 minutes): In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts into the skillet and sear them for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until they have a golden crust and are fully cooked inside.
  4. Rest and Serve (5 minutes): Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken breasts and serve atop a bed of the vegetable rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

To keep your chicken juicy and tender, ensure you don’t overcook it. Using a meat thermometer can be handy; it should read 165°F (74°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If you desire a zestier flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or zest to the rice. When selecting rice, Basmati and Jasmine are favorites due to their fragrant aroma, but feel free to use what you have on hand. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad to complement the hearty main.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Pair this with...

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Start by preheating your oven to 375. Halve your Brussels sprouts and spread them out on a baking tray. A good glug of olive oil ensures they roast up nice and crispy. Season them with a bit of salt, and if you're feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of black pepper or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a kick. Into the oven they go, and in no time, they'll come out caramelized, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Tuscan Kale Salad

Begin by removing the tough stems from the kale. Then, thinly slice the leaves into ribbons. Place the kale in a large bowl and give it a bit of a massage – yes, seriously! Rubbing the kale with your hands for a minute or two helps soften its texture and diminish its bitterness. Now, for the dressing, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, a minced garlic clove, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the massaged kale and toss well to coat. Scatter in a generous handful of roasted almonds, either whole or roughly chopped, and finish by topping the salad with shavings of parmesan cheese.

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Rotisserie Chicken Pot Pie (40-45 Minutes)

Creamy Chicken Salad (15 Minutes)

Shepherd’s Pie (30 Minutes)

Lightened Up Creamy Chicken and Shells (1 Hour)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!