We all have those days when time just slips away, right? That’s why I adore quick dinner recipes that come together in just 20 minutes! This recipe for chicken and broccoli is not only fast but also deliciously satisfying. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that’s ready in the blink of an eye without sacrificing flavor or nutrition? It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, the combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice just makes my heart sing! Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular dinner rotation. It’s a lifesaver!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather our ingredients for this quick and delicious meal! You’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – they’re the star of our dish, providing lean protein and great flavor.
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil – this will help keep the chicken juicy and add a lovely richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that aromatic kick that makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – it gives a subtle smokiness and a pop of color.
- Salt and pepper to taste – these are key for enhancing all the flavors.
- 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) – I love the crunch and nutrition they add to the plate!
- 1 cup cooked rice – the perfect base to soak up all the delicious juices.
These simple ingredients come together beautifully, making your quick dinner a breeze!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s super simple. Here’s how to whip up this tasty dish:
- First, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. You want that oil nice and hot, so the chicken sears beautifully!
- While the pan is warming up, season both chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Trust me, this seasoning will make your chicken pop with flavor!
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 5 minutes on the other side. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through—no pink inside, please!
- Now, it’s time to add the broccoli! Toss in 1 cup of broccoli florets and cover the pan. Let it steam for about 3 minutes, just until the broccoli is tender yet still vibrant and crunchy.
- Finally, serve your flavorful chicken and bright broccoli over a bed of cooked rice. And there you have it—a delightful dinner in just 20 minutes!
Enjoy the smiles around your table as everyone digs in!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to quick meals, I love knowing what I’m serving up! Keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use, so these values are just typical. For this scrumptious chicken and broccoli dish, each serving packs about 350 calories. You’ll find 10 grams of fat, including 2 grams of saturated fat, and a hearty 30 grams of protein. Plus, it’s got 40 grams of carbs and 3 grams of fiber to keep you satisfied. It’s a balanced meal that fits right into your busy life!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Easy: Simple steps mean you don’t need to be a master chef to impress!
- Healthy: Packed with protein and veggies, this meal is both nutritious and satisfying.
- Flavorful: The seasoning elevates the chicken and broccoli, making every bite delicious!
- Perfect for busy nights: It’s a lifesaver when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
Honestly, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a delightful weeknight dinner!
Tips for Success
To make this meal even more fabulous, here are some of my favorite tips! First, always check that your chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safe. Don’t hesitate to play around with the seasonings—maybe try adding a pinch of cayenne for some heat or a splash of soy sauce for an umami kick! If you have other veggies on hand, like bell peppers or snap peas, toss them in along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrients. Trust me, a little creativity goes a long way!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, I’ve got some tasty variations for you! For a vegetarian twist, simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu—just press it to remove excess moisture, then season and cook it the same way. You can also experiment with different veggies; try adding bell peppers, snap peas, or even sliced carrots for a colorful and nutritious boost. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not toss in some cooked shrimp for a seafood flair? The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about what you enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare because it’s so yummy!), just let the chicken and broccoli cool down a bit before storing. Place them in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also heat them in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat for a couple of minutes. Just add a splash of water to keep everything nice and juicy. Enjoy your quick meal again!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your quick dinner, I love serving this chicken and broccoli over rice with a light side salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil complements the meal beautifully without piling on too much effort. If you’re in the mood for something sweet to finish off, a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet would be the perfect light dessert. It’s all about keeping it easy and delicious!
For more information on the nutritional benefits of broccoli, check out Healthline. You’ll find that it’s not just a tasty addition, but also a powerhouse of nutrients!
Additionally, if you’re interested in quick cooking techniques, you can explore Cooking Light for some great tips to enhance your meal prep!
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Quick Dinner Recipes in 20 Minutes for Easy Joy!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick dinner recipes you can prepare in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken in the pan and cook for 5 minutes on each side.
- Add broccoli to the pan and cover for 3 minutes.
- Serve chicken and broccoli over cooked rice.
Notes
- Adjust seasonings to your taste.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: quick dinner recipes in 20 minutes
