Welcome to my kitchen, where I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite easy to make recipes! This dish is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly comforting and perfect for those busy days when you need something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home after a long day, the aroma of warm rice and tender chicken filling the air. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! This recipe is so straightforward that anyone can whip it up, regardless of their cooking experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for using up leftover rice and veggies, making it both economical and practical.
With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll create a satisfying meal that brings a touch of home-cooked warmth to your table. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one handy in your recipe collection. Gather your loved ones, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting dish. I’ve made sure to include clear measurements and any specific preparations required, so you can easily gather your ingredients and get started!
- 2 cups of cooked rice – You can use any type of rice you prefer, such as white, brown, or even jasmine for a lovely aroma. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled slightly before adding it to the pan.
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables – Frozen mixed vegetables work great here for convenience, but you can also chop up fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and peas. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook quickly!
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded – You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand. It saves time and adds fantastic flavor!
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce – This gives the dish its savory flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, consider low-sodium soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil – This is for sautéing the veggies. You could also use sesame oil for a lovely nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Garlic powder adds depth to the dish. If you prefer fresh garlic, use 1-2 cloves, minced.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper will enhance the flavors beautifully!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish! Don’t worry; it’s pretty simple, and I’ll guide you through each part. Just remember to take your time and enjoy the process. Let’s get cooking!
- Heat the olive oil: Start by pouring your tablespoon of olive oil into a large pan. Place it over medium heat and let it warm up for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it shimmers a bit. Be careful not to let it smoke!
- Add the mixed vegetables: Toss in your cup of mixed vegetables next. If you’re using frozen ones, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just cook them for about 3-5 minutes until they’re nice and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. Wow, the colors are going to be so vibrant!
- Stir in the chicken: Once the veggies are tender, it’s time to add your cup of shredded chicken. Stir it in gently, allowing it to heat through. This should take another 2-3 minutes. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s warmed up nicely. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen!
- Add the rice and seasoning: Now for the fun part! Add your 2 cups of cooked rice to the pan. Pour in the 1/2 cup of soy sauce, sprinkle in the teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together well, ensuring the rice is coated with that delicious soy sauce. You might need to break up any clumps of rice with your spatula. It should look colorful and inviting!
- Cook until heated through: Keep everything over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan. You want everything to be heated through and for those flavors to meld together beautifully!
- Serve warm: Once everything looks and smells amazing, turn off the heat and serve the dish warm. You can dish it out into bowls or onto plates. Don’t forget to enjoy every bite!
And there you have it! This easy-to-make recipe is a breeze to prepare, and I promise it’s going to be a hit at your dinner table. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process, so take your time, and have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels. You don’t need to be a chef to whip up a delicious meal!
- Comforting flavors: With warm rice, tender chicken, and savory soy sauce, this dish brings a sense of home and comfort to your table.
- Quick preparation: Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s different veggies or protein, this recipe adapts to your preferences!
- Leftover-friendly: This dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, making it economical and resourceful.
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s take a moment to appreciate what’s packed into this comforting dish! Each serving of this easy-to-make recipe is estimated to provide about 350 calories, making it a satisfying meal without overdoing it. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional values:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 1g, Unsaturated Fat: 8g)
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 45g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g)
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to check labels if you’re monitoring your intake. Enjoy this meal, knowing you’re nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients!
Tips for Success
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips to keep in mind! First, make sure your ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking. This way, everything flows smoothly, and you won’t feel rushed. I also recommend keeping the heat at medium to avoid burning the rice or veggies—nobody wants that!
When adding the soy sauce, don’t be shy; it’s what brings all those wonderful flavors together, but taste as you go. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with less and add more if needed. And remember, if you’re using fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, be careful not to burn it when sautéing. It cooks much faster than the veggies!
Lastly, have fun with this recipe! It’s all about enjoying the cooking process. Feel free to experiment with different spices or veggies based on your taste. Happy cooking!
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some swaps and substitutions, because I know how important it is to cater to different dietary needs! First up, if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, simply swap the cooked chicken with tofu or tempeh. Both add a lovely texture and soak up those delicious flavors.
If you’re gluten-free, don’t worry! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce, which is widely available and tastes just as good. For those who are watching their sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce—it’ll still pack a punch without the extra salt.
And if you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, feel free to add in other vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Just chop them small and toss them in with the mixed veggies. Cooking should be flexible and fun, so use what you have on hand and enjoy making this recipe your own!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious chicken and rice dish, let’s talk about how to make your meal even more delightful! I love serving this warm dish alongside a simple green salad. Just toss together some mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing crunch that balances the warm flavors of the rice.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, why not add some steamed dumplings or spring rolls? They pair beautifully and add that extra touch of fun to your meal. For a little zing, you can also serve it with a side of pickled vegetables—trust me, the contrast is wonderful!
And don’t forget about drinks! A nice cup of green tea or even a light sparkling water can complement this dish perfectly. Enjoy your comforting meal and the lovely company around your table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s talk about how to store your delicious leftovers so you can enjoy this comforting dish again! Once you’ve served your meal, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to maintain freshness.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze! You can simply pop them in the microwave for a few minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. If you prefer, you can also reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent sticking. This will help bring back that delicious flavor and moisture. Enjoy your comforting meal all over again!
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Easy to Make Recipes: 5 Comforting Dinners for You
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This recipe offers a simple and comforting meal that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- Add rice, soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and cook for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free meal.
- Add spices like ginger for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: easy to make recipes