Skillet Chicken With Rice And Vegetables
A flavorful skillet dish combining tender chicken, seasoned rice, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner suitable for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the chicken on both sides; season with a little garlic and black pepper.
- Cook Rice-A-Roni according to the package directions.
- Slice and sauté the vegetables in margarine, garlic, black pepper, and red cooking wine.
- Cut the cooked chicken into small pieces and mix into the cooked Rice-A-Roni.
- Add chicken broth to the vegetables until heated, then pour over the chicken and rice mixture and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful dish, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of garlic, black pepper, and red cooking wine for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the chicken breasts with other proteins like turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adding more vegetables like zucchini or carrots can enhance the nutrition and color of the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet chicken with rice and vegetables pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a balanced meal. For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Consider serving it alongside a light soup like Herb Tomato Soup for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent sticking, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Chicken With Rice And Vegetables contains roughly 347 calories, with 19g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), protein (37% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. At about 347 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
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 brown rice instead of Rice-A-Roni?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for Rice-A-Roni, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so plan for about 40-45 minutes and ensure you have enough broth for proper cooking.
What can I do if I don’t have margarine?
If you don’t have margarine, you can easily replace it with butter or olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. Both alternatives will add a rich flavor to the dish while keeping it delicious.
How can I make this a one-pan meal?
To make this a one-pan meal, you can cook the chicken in the skillet first, then add the vegetables directly to the same pan after the chicken is cooked. Once the vegetables are tender, mix in the cooked Rice-A-Roni and chicken broth for a quick and easy cleanup.
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).