Looking for a hearty and wholesome meal that will tantalize your taste buds and warm your soul? Look no further! This Chicken Brown Rice Pilaf is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrition. With tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and nutty brown rice, this dish is a perfect weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. In just 40 minutes, you can create a delicious, one-pot meal that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice chicken breast into uniform 1/2-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chopped onions and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until onions become translucent and vegetables start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring continuously for 30 seconds to release their aromatic flavors without burning.
- Add brown rice to the skillet and toast for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the rice with oil and vegetable flavors.
- Pour in chicken broth, stir to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking to reheat and blend flavors.
- Remove from heat, let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff rice with a fork and serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and dice the chicken breast ahead of time. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Use Quality Broth: The flavor of the chicken broth can significantly enhance the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness and ensure a balanced taste.
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Take your time when sautéing the onions and carrots. This step builds the foundation of flavor for your pilaf, so allow them to soften and caramelize slightly.
- Toast the Rice: Toasting the brown rice before adding the broth adds a lovely nutty flavor and helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the pilaf sit covered for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully and makes for a fluffier rice texture.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers to the mix for added color and nutrition.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg
