Are you tired of endless takeout and complicated recipes? Craving a healthy, delicious, and easy dinner? Then look no further! This chicken and rice recipe, cooked entirely in your rice cooker, is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is surprisingly versatile. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with this simple yet satisfying homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics: Turn your rice cooker to the “sauté” function. Add the olive oil, then add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. This step adds incredible depth of flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Build the Flavor Base: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds the foundation for a flavorful dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the rice, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained!), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the rice cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
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Add the Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the rice cooker. Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Cook: Close the lid of your rice cooker and select the "white rice" or "cook" setting. Cooking time will vary depending on your rice cooker model, but generally, it takes about 30-40 minutes.
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Rest and Fluff: Once the cooking cycle is complete, let the chicken and rice rest for 10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and ensures a perfect texture.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect on its own or alongside a simple side salad.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Rice:
- Don't overcrowd the rice cooker: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, adjust the recipe to fit your rice cooker's capacity.
- Use good quality broth: Chicken broth significantly impacts the flavor of the dish. Choose a low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize your chicken and rice.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables like carrots, peas, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Lemon zest: A tablespoon of lemon zest brightens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Different proteins: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fat: 10-12g
This chicken and rice recipe provides a quick dinner idea that’s both healthy and delicious. It's perfect for busy weeknights, making it an excellent addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and best recipes. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying homemade cooking experience!