Let’s face it, life gets hectic. Between work, family, and trying to squeeze in a social life, sometimes dinner feels like a last-minute scramble. You know what? It doesn’t have to be that way!
We’re diving into the wonderful world of meal prep recipes. These aren’t just about saving time; they’re about reclaiming your evenings and enjoying delicious, wholesome food without the stress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This particular recipe is a weeknight warrior. It’s incredibly easy to throw together, uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and results in a flavorful, satisfying meal.
It’s a fantastic option for anyone looking for Easy Work Day Dinners or Warm Healthy Lunch Ideas. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, which is always a win in my book.
You’ll also appreciate how it fits into a healthy lifestyle. It’s packed with protein and nutrients, making it one of those High Nutrition Meals that truly fuels you.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt for serving (optional)
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Chicken
Grab a large pan and heat up that olive oil over medium heat. It’s time to get things going!
Add your bite-size chicken pieces and cook them until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. This locks in all that yummy flavor.
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir it all around until it’s soft and smells amazing. Honestly, the aroma alone is worth it!
Step 2: Spice Things Up
Now for the magic. Sprinkle in the turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken and veggies are coated in those lovely spices.
Step 3: Add Rice and Broth
Pour in your rinsed rice. Stir it into the chicken and spice mixture. This helps toast the rice a little, which adds depth.
Then, add the chicken broth. Make sure the rice is mostly covered. Bring it all to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Rice
Lower the heat to low, put a lid on the pan, and let it cook. You’re looking at about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all that liquid has been absorbed. Patience here pays off!
Step 5: Wilt Spinach and Finish
Once the rice is done, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt down quickly, adding a nice bit of green and extra nutrients.
Finally, squeeze in that fresh lemon juice. Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. This is how you make these meal prep recipes truly yours.
Serve it up in bowls. If you like, add a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy finish. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to enjoy Healthy Hearty Dinner Recipes.
How To Store Leftovers
The beauty of these meal prep recipes is their staying power. Once cooled, portion the chicken and rice mixture into airtight containers.
These will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. They’re perfect for grabbing on your way out the door for Healthy At Home Lunches.
When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. It tastes almost as good as when it was freshly made!
Tips
Want to switch things up? Feel free to swap the chicken breast for thighs for extra richness, or use plant based protein for a vegetarian twist. This recipe is super adaptable.
Consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli florets along with the onion. It’s a great way to boost the nutritional profile of your High Protein Clean Eating meal.
For a variation on the Healthy Rice Dinner, try adding a pinch of cumin or coriander with the other spices. A little goes a long way to changing the flavor profile.
This recipe is also a fantastic base for Easy Protein Meals Dinners. You can easily add beans, lentils, or even top with a fried egg for extra protein.
Conclusion
So there you have it – a simple, delicious, and healthy way to tackle your weeknight meals. These meal prep recipes are your secret weapon against takeout temptation.
Embracing meal prep doesn’t require fancy gadgets or hours in the kitchen. It’s about smart planning and making food that makes you feel good. This dish, focusing on Chicken Breast Recipes Healthy Clean Eating, is a perfect starting point.
Give it a try and see how much easier your busy schedule can become. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully, you can use brown rice or even quinoa. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratios as needed according to the package directions.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other spices. You could also add some diced jalapeño with the onions.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is designed for meal prep! You can cook the entire dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can substitute water or vegetable broth for chicken broth. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Meal Prep
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner perfect for meal prep. Juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and tender rice come together in just one pan for easy cleanup.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large pan and heat up the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the bite-size chicken pieces and cook until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until soft and fragrant.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables.
- Pour in the rinsed rice and stir to mix with the spices. Add the chicken broth, ensuring the rice is covered.
- Bring to a boil, then lower heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Squeeze in the lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve in bowls, optionally topped with a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Notes
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Swap chicken breast for thighs for extra richness, or use plant-based protein for a vegetarian version.
Add bell peppers or broccoli florets for extra nutrition.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
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