Life can get hectic, can’t it? Between juggling work, family, and a million other things, I often find myself in a race against the clock come dinner time. That’s why I absolutely adore *easy dinner recipes*. They’re a lifesaver after long days when I just want a satisfying meal without all the fuss. This recipe for baked chicken with broccoli and rice is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick, wholesome, and delicious. You simply toss everything together and let the oven do the work. The aroma of garlic and roasted chicken fills your kitchen, and before you know it, dinner is served! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of pulling a warm, home-cooked meal from the oven after a long day. It’s not just about feeding the family; it’s about sharing love and comfort in every bite. Let’s dive into this easy, tasty dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this easy dinner recipe:
- 1 lb chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, this is the star of the dish. Cut into even pieces for consistent cooking.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh is best! These little green trees add crunch and nutrition. Feel free to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup rice: Long-grain white rice works wonderfully here, soaking up all the flavors as it cooks.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This will help sear the chicken to golden perfection and keep everything moist.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A dash of this adds a lovely depth of flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget the seasoning! It elevates the dish, so sprinkle generously.
These ingredients come together beautifully for a wholesome meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare!
How to Prepare Easy Dinner Recipes
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is as straightforward as it gets, and I promise you’ll love how easy it is. Here’s how to whip up this delicious meal:
- Preheat your oven: First things first, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This preheating step is crucial because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- Season the chicken: While the oven is warming up, grab your chicken breast and season it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides well; this is where the flavor starts to build!
- Sear the chicken: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the chicken in the pan and sear it for about 5 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a nice crust. Don’t rush this part!
- Transfer to a baking dish: After searing, move the chicken to a baking dish. It’s okay if it’s not fully cooked yet; it will finish in the oven.
- Add broccoli and rice: Toss the broccoli florets around the chicken in the dish, then sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over everything. This is where the magic happens as the rice absorbs all those wonderful flavors!
- Pour in water: Carefully pour 1 cup of water over the rice. It’s important to do this so the rice cooks properly and doesn’t dry out. Just remember: no stirring here!
- Bake it: Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy. You can check the chicken’s doneness by cutting into it; it should no longer be pink inside.
- Fluff and serve: Once it’s done, remove the dish from the oven, take off the foil, and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve it warm and enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen!
And just like that, dinner is ready! This method keeps everything simple while ensuring a delicious, hearty meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into even the busiest evenings!
- Wholesome Ingredients: Fresh chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty rice come together for a meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, making cleanup a breeze – less mess, more time to relax!
- Versatile Options: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or proteins, keeping dinner exciting every time.
- Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, so everyone leaves the table happy!
Tips for Success
If you want to nail this easy dinner recipe, here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
- Don’t skip the searing: This step is crucial for locking in juices and flavor. Take your time – a good sear makes all the difference!
- Use the right amount of water: Make sure to pour in exactly 1 cup over the rice. Too little, and it’ll be dry; too much, and it’ll be mushy.
- Let it rest: After baking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute in the chicken, making it extra juicy!
- Fluff gently: When you fluff the rice, be gentle! You don’t want to break it up too much. A light touch will keep everything nice and fluffy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delicious dinner that impresses everyone around the table!
Variations
The beauty of this easy dinner recipe is its versatility! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients. For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas – both will soak up the flavors beautifully. You can also mix in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just keep the cooking times in mind; some veggies may need a few extra minutes. If you’re in the mood for a flavor boost, try adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired flair. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from this easy dinner recipe is a breeze! Once your chicken, broccoli, and rice have cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions; just add a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this easy dinner recipe contains approximately 400 calories, with 30g of protein and just 2g of sugar. You’ll also find 10g of fat, including 2g of saturated fat. The dish has 300mg of sodium and 50g of carbohydrates, along with 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these nutritional values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. It’s a wholesome, balanced meal that satisfies both your hunger and your health goals!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I often hear about this easy dinner recipe:
- Q: How long does it take to cook the chicken? A: The chicken typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake at 400°F (200°C). Just ensure it’s no longer pink in the center!
- Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? A: Absolutely! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and add a bit more water.
- Q: What if I don’t have broccoli? A: No worries! You can substitute with any veggies you like. Carrots, bell peppers, or green beans work great!
- Q: How many servings does this recipe make? A: This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a small family or meal prepping for the week.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes! You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving for the best results.
easy dinner recipes: 5 Simple Steps for Family Bliss
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Simple and quick dinner recipes that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 5 minutes on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
- Add broccoli and rice around the chicken.
- Pour 1 cup of water over the rice.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Fluff the rice before serving.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you like.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: easy dinner recipes
