Let’s talk about weeknight dinners. It can be a real challenge to find meals that are both wholesome and delicious, right? We all want amazing Healthy Dinner Recipes that don’t take hours to prepare or leave a mountain of dishes. It sounds like a tall order, but I promise it is possible.
That is where this amazing one pot chicken and rice recipe comes in. It’s a complete meal all cooked in a single stockpot. Full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables, it is the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table. This is one of those Quick Dinner Ideas you will make again and again.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the cleanup is a breeze. Seriously, a single pot means you get to spend more time enjoying your evening and less time scrubbing. That alone makes it a winner in my book. It’s a true lifesaver on busy nights when you just want something simple.
It is also incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap veggies based on what you have in the fridge. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up produce that’s about to go bad. It’s one of the most flexible Healthy Meal Ideas you can find.
And let’s not forget the flavor. The chicken, veggies, and rice all cook together, letting the flavors meld beautifully. The chicken broth creates a savory base, and the Parmesan cheese adds a wonderful, creamy finish. It tastes like a comforting classic for a reason.
This is also one of my top Kid Friendly Dinners. The flavors are straightforward and comforting. Kids tend to love chicken and rice, and the finely chopped veggies blend right in. You can feel good knowing they are getting a balanced meal.
Ingredients
The beauty of these Healthy Dinner Recipes is in their simplicity. You do not need anything fancy, just some fresh, wholesome ingredients to create a wonderful meal.
- 3 to 4 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- salt, to taste
- ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and shredded
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
- 1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
Step By Step Instructions
Following these steps will give you a delicious meal every time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook The Chicken
First, grab a 3 quart stockpot and heat your olive oil over medium high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season them well with salt and pepper. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want to stir it occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. The goal is to have it cooked through with no pink remaining. Once done, you can set it aside on a plate for a moment.
Step 2: Sauté The Veggies
In the same pot, add the diced yellow onion. Cook it for about 3 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent. This builds the first layer of flavor for our dish.
Next, stir in the shredded carrots and chopped celery. Cook these for just a minute. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until you can smell its wonderful aroma. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Step 3: Simmer The Rice
Now it is time for the main event. Increase the heat to high. Pour in the chicken broth and add your rinsed jasmine rice. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir it one more time, then cover the pot with a lid. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The rice should be tender and should have absorbed all the broth. It is a good idea to stir it once or twice while simmering to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Finish And Serve
Almost there! Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and the chopped fresh parsley. The cheese will melt into the dish, creating a creamy texture.
Give it a final taste. You might want to add a little more salt or pepper. Feel free to add any other seasonings you enjoy. Serve it warm and enjoy one of the best Healthy Dinner Recipes you will ever make.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days.
When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. This is one of those Healthy Meal Ideas that is just as good the next day.
Tips
Want to change things up? This recipe is a great canvas. Try adding a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Chopped broccoli florets or spinach also work well. It is a great way to add even more veggies.
You can also use different proteins. Cooked Italian sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option would be delicious. Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked before adding it with the rice.
For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano with the garlic. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten up all the flavors. These little tweaks make your Quick Dinner Ideas feel new each time.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A straightforward, flavorful, and satisfying meal that checks all the boxes. It is proof that Healthy Dinner Recipes do not have to be complicated or time consuming. This one pot wonder is perfect for any night of the week.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I am sure it will in yours too. It is the kind of comforting food that makes everyone happy, and the easy cleanup is just the cherry on top. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken. You can add a can of rinsed chickpeas or white beans for protein. Just stir them in with the rice. Also, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This is one of our favorite vegetarian Healthy Meal Ideas.
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead Of Jasmine?
Yes, you can use brown rice for an extra whole grain boost. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, usually around 40 to 45 minutes. You will likely need to add a little more broth to compensate for the longer cooking time.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten free. Just make sure your chicken broth is certified gluten free, as some brands can contain hidden gluten. All the other ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
This is a great question for families looking for Kid Friendly Dinners. You can add so many different vegetables. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be wonderful additions. Stir them in with the onions to give them time to cook down and soften.
One Pot Chicken and Rice
This easy one pot chicken and rice recipe is a complete, wholesome meal cooked in a single stockpot. Full of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables, it’s a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s quick to prepare and makes cleanup a breeze.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 3-4 Tablespoons of olive oil in a 3-quart stockpot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the diced yellow onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in shredded carrots and chopped celery, cook for 1 minute. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Increase heat to high. Pour in chicken broth and add rinsed jasmine rice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking.
- Turn off heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. Just let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. When you are ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave for a minute or two. You can also warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out.
Want to change things up? This recipe is a great canvas. Try adding a cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Chopped broccoli florets or spinach also work well. It is a great way to add even more veggies.
You can also use different proteins. Cooked Italian sausage or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option would be delicious. Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked before adding it with the rice.
For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of dried herbs like thyme or oregano with the garlic. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten up all the flavors.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
