Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal that's also surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This chicken and vegetable bowl, brimming with the goodness of homemade bone broth, is the perfect answer for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend lunch. It’s packed with flavor, nutrients, and is a fantastic example of healthy meals made easy. This recipe offers a perfect blend of homemade cooking and quick dinner ideas, resulting in a truly satisfying and delicious dish.
Why Bone Broth?
Before we dive into the recipe, let's talk about the star of the show: bone broth. This isn't your average chicken broth. Bone broth is simmered for hours, extracting valuable collagen, minerals, and nutrients from the bones. It's incredibly nourishing, supports gut health, and adds a rich depth of flavor to any dish. Making your own bone broth might sound daunting, but it’s easier than you think! And the results? Absolutely worth the effort.
Ingredients:
For the Bone Broth (can be made ahead):
- 2 lbs chicken bones (backs, necks, wings work great)
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, roughly chopped
- 2 celery stalks, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 8 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp sea salt
For the Chicken and Vegetable Bowl:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Making the Bone Broth:
- Combine chicken bones, onion, carrots, celery, apple cider vinegar, water, and salt in a large stockpot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 6 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum nutrient extraction. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor!
- Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding the solids. Store the broth in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
Making the Chicken and Vegetable Bowl:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add broccoli, carrots, and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes).
- Pour in 2 cups of your homemade bone broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Stir in chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with a lime wedge. Enjoy your healthy and delicious meal!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken and vegetables for a kick.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Make it a noodle bowl: Add cooked noodles (brown rice noodles, soba noodles, or quinoa noodles) to the bowl for a heartier meal.
- Boost the protein: Add cooked chickpeas or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully and the flavors often deepen overnight!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used, but a single serving of this dish is likely to be relatively low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and minerals thanks to the bone broth and vegetables. For precise nutritional data, you'd need to use a nutritional calculator with specific ingredient weights.
This chicken and vegetable bowl with homemade bone broth is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and best recipes. It is a testament to how simple it is to create delicious and healthy dishes from scratch using readily available ingredients. It's a perfect example of how homemade cooking can be both enjoyable and beneficial to your overall well-being.