Chicken and Rice and Vegetables Recipes for Healthy Meals

Chicken, rice, and vegetables come together in a delightful harmony that offers both nourishment and comfort in every bite. This classic combination is a staple in many households worldwide, cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to be adapted to countless flavor profiles.

Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to impress guests, a well-executed chicken and rice with vegetables dish can be both satisfying and wholesome.

In this blog post, you’ll discover several recipes showcasing different ways to bring these ingredients to life. From one-pot meals to baked casseroles, these recipes highlight the ease of preparation and the vibrant flavors that fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked chicken can deliver.

Plus, you’ll find tips to customize the dishes to your liking, nutrition facts to keep you informed, and serving suggestions that elevate your meal to the next level.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken and rice with vegetables is a recipe that checks all the boxes: nutritious, budget-friendly, and delicious. It’s a complete meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.

The combination is highly adaptable, allowing you to use whatever vegetables you have on hand or adjust the seasoning to match your preferred cuisine style—whether Mediterranean, Asian, or classic American.

Moreover, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping and can be made in advance, saving you time on busy days. It’s also kid-friendly and a great way to sneak in extra veggies for picky eaters.

Ultimately, the comforting warmth of chicken, the satisfying texture of rice, and the fresh crunch of vegetables make this dish a beloved choice for all seasons.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Medium saucepan (if cooking rice separately)
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme.
2. Brown the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sauté the chopped onion and garlic until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in the carrots, bell pepper, and broccoli. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender.
5. Cook the rice: Stir the rice into the vegetables, coating evenly with oil and flavors. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
6. Simmer with chicken: Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the pan on top of the rice and vegetables. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Add peas: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the frozen peas on top, cover again, and let them steam and heat through.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Slice the chicken before serving for an elegant presentation.

Tips & Variations

“Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful dish.”

Feel free to swap vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. Zucchini, green beans, or mushrooms all make excellent additions.

For an extra punch of flavor, add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.

To make this recipe even easier, try cooking the rice separately and then mixing it with sautéed chicken and vegetables. This method gives you more control over the texture of the rice.

If you enjoy spice, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. For a creamy twist, stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk during the last few minutes of cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This chicken and rice dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad or steamed green beans for added freshness. For a heartier meal, serve with warm crusty bread or garlic naan to soak up the flavorful juices.

Enhance your meal by adding a dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki on the side for creaminess and tang. A light drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

Chicken, rice, and vegetables are a timeless trio that can be transformed into countless delectable dishes. This recipe offers a simple, wholesome, and flavorful way to bring these ingredients together, perfect for everyday meals or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.

The balance of protein, grains, and colorful veggies makes it a nutritious option that the whole family will enjoy.

By experimenting with different herbs, spices, and vegetable combinations, you can keep this dish fresh and exciting no matter how often you make it. For more inspiration on meals featuring wholesome ingredients and easy cooking techniques, check out A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion and Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

If you love spices, don’t miss the Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend for an easy way to add depth to your dishes.

More Chicken, Rice and Vegetable Recipes to Try

One-Pot Chicken and Vegetable Pilaf

A fragrant dish where chicken is cooked with rice and a mix of seasonal vegetables in one pot. The use of spices like cumin and coriander gives it a warm, earthy flavor.

Perfect for an effortless dinner.

Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole with Roasted Vegetables

This recipe layers seasoned chicken breasts over rice and a medley of roasted vegetables, then bakes them together for a comforting, hands-off meal. Creamy and satisfying, it’s ideal for batch cooking.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Fried Rice with Veggies

Use leftover rice to make a quick and tasty fried rice with diced chicken, peas, carrots, and spring onions. A splash of soy sauce and sesame oil adds authentic Asian flavors, making it a perfect weeknight hit.

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Brown Rice

A crisp and colorful stir-fry featuring bite-sized chicken pieces and crunchy vegetables tossed in a savory sauce, served over nutty brown rice. Ready in under 30 minutes for a healthy and delicious meal.

Moroccan Chicken and Vegetable Rice Bowl

Experience bold flavors with this recipe that uses spices like cinnamon, turmeric, and cumin. Chicken is slow-cooked with vegetables and served on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs and toasted almonds.

Discover all these variations and more for easy, nutritious meals that bring joy to your table. For further ideas on healthy and delicious meals, explore our collection of Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love and Asian Vegetarian Rice Bowl Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals.

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