A Simple, Quick Meal Using Chicken and Broccoli

A straightforward combination that comes together in minutes and tastes anything but ordinary.

Chicken and broccoli might seem like the most obvious pairing, but there's a reason it shows up on dinner tables everywhere—it works. The mild, tender chicken plays beautifully against broccoli's slight earthiness, while rice quietly anchors the whole plate. Add onions for depth, and you've got something wholesome that doesn't feel like a compromise.

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Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bowl

Total Time: 30 minutes • Serves: 4

A quick and satisfying one-pan meal with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice all seasoned with garlic and simple spices.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups broccoli florets
1.5 cups long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook until golden on all sides (about 5 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
In the same pan, sauté diced onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add rice to the pan and stir constantly for 2 minutes to lightly toast it.
Pour in chicken broth, add oregano, and bring to a boil. Return chicken to the pan, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for 5 more minutes until rice is tender, broccoli is crisp-tender, and liquid is absorbed.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Fluff with a fork and serve immediately.

Quick Variations

Lighter Option

Skip the rice or use cauliflower rice instead. Poach the chicken gently and dress everything with a squeeze of lemon and a whisper of olive oil for brightness without heaviness.

Hearty Option

Use brown rice or farro for more texture and nutrition. Cook the chicken with more fat, let the onions caramelize longer, and finish with a drizzle of sesame oil or a sprinkling of sesame seeds for richness.

Vegetarian or Flexible Option

Swap the chicken for tofu, chickpeas, or white beans. The broccoli, onions, and rice remain just as satisfying, especially if you build flavor through aromatics like garlic and ginger.

Simple Substitutions

Protein Substitutes

Pork tenderloin or ground pork
Turkey breast
Salmon or cod
Tofu or tempeh
Chickpeas or white beans

Carb Substitutes

Brown rice or farro
Cauliflower rice or broccoli rice
Quinoa
Noodles or pasta
Couscous or orzo

Flavor Boosters

Soy sauce or tamari
Garlic and ginger
Lemon or lime juice
Sesame oil
Red pepper flakes or fresh chili
Coconut milk or cream

Common Questions

How do I keep the broccoli from turning mushy?

Add it toward the end of cooking, or steam it separately and combine just before serving. This keeps it tender but still has bite.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Cook the rice and chicken in advance, but add the broccoli and onions fresh or just before reheating. This keeps everything tasting bright rather than tired.

What's the best way to season this dish?

Start with salt and pepper, then layer in flavor with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, or citrus. Taste as you go—broccoli and chicken are forgiving canvases.