Chicken Brown Rice Primavera
A vibrant, wholesome chicken and vegetable brown rice stir-fry with fresh flavors and textures, perfect for a quick, healthy family dinner or weekday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and minced garlic; cook and stir until chicken is lightly browned.
- Add chicken broth, broccoli florets, red pepper strips, sliced carrots, yellow squash, and pepper to the skillet.
- Bring mixture to a boil.
- Stir in uncooked brown rice.
- Return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs beforehand. You can substitute the vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference; zucchini or asparagus work well in place of yellow squash. If you want a creamier dish, stir in a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt at the end. Pair it with some crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken Brown Rice Primavera warm, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A side salad or steamed green beans complements the dish nicely. This dish pairs beautifully with Liver Roll-Ups for a delightful appetizer spread. For a complete meal, consider adding a light dessert, such as a fruit sorbet.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Brown Rice Primavera contains roughly 574 calories, with 23g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and protein (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 876mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular brown rice instead of instant brown rice?
Yes, you can use regular brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Regular brown rice usually takes about 45 minutes to cook, so add it earlier in the recipe along with the broth and vegetables, and simmer until tender.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference or what you have on hand. Snow peas, spinach, or bell peppers of different colors are great additions. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed for any firmer vegetables.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).