Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced zucchini
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and the onion is translucent.
3. Add Rice and Broth:
- Stir in the white rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer and Add Vegetables:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, add the chopped red and green bell peppers, broccoli florets, sliced carrots, and sliced zucchini to the skillet.
- Sprinkle dried thyme over the vegetables.
- Cover the skillet again and continue to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.
- If needed, add a bit more chicken broth or water to keep it from sticking to the pan.
5. Combine Chicken and Cheese:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir it into the rice and vegetables.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Cover the skillet and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired.
7. Enjoy!
- Serve your garlic chicken, vegetable, and rice skillet hot, and savor the delicious combination of flavors and textures.
This one-pan skillet meal is a wholesome and satisfying dinner option that's both tasty and convenient. It's a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into your meal, and the cheesy, garlicky goodness adds an extra layer of flavor. Enjoy!