Tired of spending hours in the kitchen? Craving a delicious and healthy meal without the lengthy prep time? Then you've come to the right place! Minute rice is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a convenient base for a wide variety of quick and easy recipes. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, these recipes using Minute rice will become your new go-to for healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. Get ready to explore the world of flavorful and effortless homemade cooking!
Creamy Tomato & Chicken Minute Rice Bowl
This recipe is a perfect example of how versatile Minute rice can be. It's a complete meal, packed with protein and flavor, ready in under 20 minutes!
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Minute Rice
- 1.5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a vegan option
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Don't let it brown!
- Stir in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and dried basil. Bring to a simmer.
- Add Minute rice and stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes, or according to package directions.
- Stir in shredded chicken and heavy cream (or coconut cream). Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
Cooking Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with milk or cream cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken & Rice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Bowl: Omit the chicken and add 1 cup of cooked black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Mediterranean Rice Bowl: Substitute the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and add chopped Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500 (depending on ingredients used)
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
These recipes using Minute rice are perfect examples of delicious and easy meals you can create in minutes. They're healthy, customizable, and ideal for busy weeknights. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients to discover your own favorite Minute rice creations! Remember to check out more of our easy recipes and best recipes for more quick dinner ideas! Happy cooking!