Looking for delicious and easy chicken and brown rice recipes? This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy brown rice, and vibrant veggies for a wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy nights. Packed with flavor and nutrition, it’s comfort food made simple!
Hey there, friend!
If you’re like me, you’re always on the hunt for quick, healthy, and downright delicious dinners that the whole family will love. Well, chicken and brown rice recipes are the answer! They’re easy, satisfying, and packed with wholesome goodness. Plus, brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber that’ll leave you feeling full and happy. Trust me, once you get this recipe under your belt, it’ll be a weeknight staple. Ready to whip up something amazing? Let’s dive right in together!
If you’re a fan of cozy meals like Southern-style chicken and rice, you’re gonna fall head over heels for these easy chicken and brown rice recipes too!
Main Ingredients (What You’ll Need)
To make one of the tastiest chicken and brown rice recipes out there, you’ll need just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients:
- Brown Rice:
- 1 cup instant brown rice (or 2 cups cooked brown rice). Brown rice brings a slightly chewy texture and earthy flavor.
- Vegetable Oil:
- 5 teaspoons, divided. Perfect for cooking both the eggs and chicken without overpowering the flavors.
- Eggs:
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten. They add that irresistible scrambled egg goodness you know and love from fried rice.
- Chicken Breasts:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. They cook quickly and soak up flavor beautifully.
- Garlic Salt:
- 1 teaspoon, divided. Adds the perfect punch of garlicky, salty flavor.
- Dark Sesame Oil:
- 1 tablespoon. Trust me, this is the secret weapon for amazing aroma and depth.
- Frozen Green Peas:
- ½ cup. Sweet and colorful, they’re a must!
- Shredded Carrot:
- ½ cup. Adds a touch of natural sweetness and crunch.
- Green Onion:
- ¼ cup, sliced. For a bit of sharpness and freshness at the end.
- Soy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons. It’s what brings that savory, umami magic.
And hey, if you love all things fried rice, don’t miss trying out this delicious Japanese chicken fried rice recipe for another weeknight winner.
Additional Ingredients (Fun Twists & Substitutes)
Want to jazz things up? Here are some extra goodies you can toss into your chicken and brown rice recipes:
- Bell Peppers:
- Diced red or yellow peppers add vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- Broccoli Florets:
- Chop ’em small so they cook fast and soak up the sauce.
- Cashews or Peanuts:
- A handful of toasted nuts can add an amazing crunch.
- Pineapple Chunks:
- Feeling tropical? Sweet pineapple takes the flavor to another level.
- Tamari or Coconut Aminos:
- Great alternatives if you need a gluten-free version of soy sauce.
Substitutions are a great way to keep meals exciting and cater to whatever’s hanging out in your fridge!
Angela’s Tips for Chicken and Brown Rice Recipes
Want your chicken and brown rice recipes to turn out restaurant-worthy every single time? Here’s some insider advice:
- Use Cold Rice:
- If you have time, make the rice a few hours ahead and let it cool. Cold rice fries up way better and won’t get mushy.
- Preheat Your Pan:
- Get your skillet or wok really hot before adding anything. This helps you get that beautiful sear on the chicken and veggies.
- Don’t Overcrowd:
- Give your ingredients some breathing room. If you dump everything in at once, you’ll end up steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Season in Layers:
- A little garlic salt here, a little soy sauce there… building flavors at every step makes a huge difference.
- Finish with Freshness:
- A sprinkle of green onion or a drizzle of sesame oil right at the end brightens the whole dish.
Using a rice cooker makes life so much easier—especially when you’re cooking up recipes like this or our easy rice cooker chicken recipes.
And here’s a fun tip from my kitchen: if you’re cooking for kids, add a drizzle of honey at the end—it balances the saltiness and makes it kid-approved!
Recommended Techniques (Your Quick Cheatsheet)
To master your chicken and brown rice recipes, follow these best practices:
- Stir Constantly:
- Keep things moving in the pan to avoid burning and to cook everything evenly.
- Use High Heat:
- High heat = better texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to turn that burner up!
- Cut Ingredients Evenly:
- Uniform pieces cook more evenly, making the whole dish come together better.
- Taste as You Go:
- Adjust soy sauce, garlic salt, and sesame oil little by little to match your preferences.
Keeping it simple and focused makes a world of difference!
Step-by-Step Instructions (Let’s Get Cooking!)
Step 1:
Cook your brown rice according to the package directions if you’re using instant. Otherwise, use pre-cooked rice. Set it aside.
Step 2:
Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble the beaten eggs until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3:
Add 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chicken pieces and sprinkle with ½ teaspoon garlic salt. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
Step 4:
In the same skillet, heat the last 2 teaspoons of oil. Add peas, shredded carrot, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
Step 5:
Add the cooked rice, sesame oil, soy sauce, and remaining garlic salt to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook until heated through.
Step 6:
Return the chicken and eggs to the pan. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 7:
Serve hot with optional extras like sesame oil, soy sauce, or a dash of hot sauce!
Additional Guide (Variations & Special Tricks)
Here are a few fun twists on your chicken and brown rice recipes:
- Spicy Version:
- Add a tablespoon of Sriracha or red pepper flakes when stir-frying the veggies.
- Teriyaki Style:
- Replace the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter, stickier flavor.
- Meal Prep Favorite:
- Double the recipe and portion it into meal prep containers. It reheats like a dream!
- Low-Sodium Option:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip extra garlic salt to cut back on salt without losing flavor.
Want even more ideas? Try pairing your brown rice with flavors inspired by this sweet and savory orange chicken and rice recipe, it’s a game changer!
Experiment with these ideas to keep your meals exciting!
FAQs (You Asked, I Answered!)
Oh, absolutely! Chicken and brown rice recipes are packed with lean protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It’s a balanced, hearty meal that keeps you full without weighing you down. Perfect if you’re trying to eat healthier without giving up deliciousness!
So many things! Try stirring in a splash of soy sauce, sesame oil, or even a sprinkle of garlic salt. You can also toss in chopped herbs, sautéed onions, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a fresh, zippy flavor.
Brown rice loves bold flavors! Garlic salt, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and even a little chili powder work wonders. For extra richness, drizzle in some melted butter or olive oil and toss with your favorite herbs.
Conclusion
There you have it—your complete guide to making the most mouthwatering chicken and brown rice recipes! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something comforting and delicious, this recipe’s got you covered. It’s fast, it’s flexible, and it’s full of flavor.
Thanks for hanging out with me today, friend. I hope you’re feeling excited and ready to get cooking!
Don’t forget to share your creations with your loved ones—because good food always tastes better with good company.
And if you’re still hungry for more inspiration, don’t miss our full collection of chicken fried rice recipes, there’s something there for every craving!
See you next time for more tasty adventures around the table!
Easy & Delicious Chicken and Brown Rice
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup instant brown rice or 2 cups cooked
- 5 teaspoons vegetable oil divided
- 4 large eggs lightly beaten
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt divided
- 1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
- 0.5 cup frozen green peas
- 0.5 cup shredded carrot
- 0.25 cup green onion sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Cook brown rice according to package directions or use pre-cooked rice. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Scramble eggs until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Heat 2 tsp oil in the same skillet. Add chicken pieces and ½ tsp garlic salt. Cook until golden and cooked through (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Heat remaining 2 tsp oil. Stir-fry peas, shredded carrot, and green onions for about 2 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add cooked rice, sesame oil, soy sauce, and remaining garlic salt. Stir well and heat through.
- Return chicken and eggs to the skillet. Toss everything together. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
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