Healthy Chicken and Rice (Easy One Pot Recipe for Meal Prep)

Variations

• One of the best things about this chicken and rice recipe is how easy it is to customize based on what you have on hand or your preferences.
• Swap the vegetables. Broccoli is a classic, but you can easily use other vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, green beans, kale, or even diced zucchini all work well. If using mushrooms, sauté them with the onions so they release their moisture and develop flavor. For spinach, stir it in at the very end and let it wilt for 1–2 minutes before serving.
• Switch up the cheese. Sharp cheddar adds a bold flavor, but you can use whatever cheese you like. Pepper jack adds a little heat, mozzarella creates a milder, creamier texture, and Colby Jack or a taco blend work great too. Freshly shredded cheese will melt better, but pre-shredded works just fine for convenience.
• Use white wine for extra flavor. If you want to add a little extra depth, replace about ¼ cup of the chicken broth with dry white wine (like chardonnay or sauvignon blanc). Let it simmer for a couple of minutes before adding the other ingredients to cook off the alcohol and enhance the flavor.
• Try different grains. Brown rice is my go-to because of the fiber and nutrients, but this recipe works with other grains too. White rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice are great options. You can also use quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. Just make sure the grain is cooked ahead of time before adding it to the recipe.
• Use different chicken options. This is a great recipe for using whatever chicken you already have on hand. Cooked shredded chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken all work well. Just stir in about 1½–2 cups at the end until heated through.