Are you tired of bland, boring meals that leave you uninspired? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that combines the bright, citrusy punch of lemon, the tender goodness of chicken, and the nutritious crunch of broccoli – all nestled on a bed of perfectly cooked rice! This Lemon Broccoli Rice with Chicken is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your weeknight dining from ordinary to extraordinary in just 40 minutes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 pound of diced chicken breast, the juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken breast to the pan.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, add 1 cup of rice and toast it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. This will enhance the flavor of the rice.
- Pour in the 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the cooked chicken and blanched broccoli. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the mixture and stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Lemon Broccoli Rice with Chicken warm, garnished with lemon slices or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: Toast your rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping. This simple step adds depth to your entire dish.
- Chicken Cooking Hack: Ensure your chicken is evenly diced and pat dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Broccoli Brilliance: Blanch your broccoli quickly to maintain its vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture. Be careful not to overcook – you want a slight crunch!
- Flavor Boost: Don't be shy with the lemon juice – it's the secret weapon that brings brightness and freshness to the entire dish.
- Meal Prep Tip: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. It stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners. Pro tip: For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives as a garnish just before serving!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 90mg
