20 Minute Meal-Prep Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Recipe
A quick and healthy 20-minute meal-prep recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken breasts, fluffy jasmine rice, and steamed broccoli florets, perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Meal Prep, Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Steaming
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 4–6 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon brown or granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Broccoli
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets
- Water for steaming
- Cook the Rice: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in 1 cup of jasmine rice and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken pieces in the pan and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes, allowing grill marks to form. Flip and cook the other side for another 5-6 minutes until cooked through. Turn off heat and let the chicken rest in the pan for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- Steam the Broccoli: There are two methods to steam broccoli: Stove-top blanching: Boil water in a large pot, add broccoli florets, and blanch for 1 minute. Remove immediately. Microwave steaming: Place broccoli in a microwave-safe bowl with 3 tablespoons water, cover with a ceramic plate or plastic wrap, and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
- Assemble the Meal Prep Containers: Slice the rested chicken into bite-sized pieces. Portion 2/3 cup of cooked rice into each of 4 containers. Top each rice portion with sliced chicken and broccoli florets. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Reheat and Serve: When ready to eat, microwave the meal prep container on high for 2 minutes or until steaming hot throughout.
Notes
- Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use jasmine rice for a fragrant, slightly sticky texture; substitute with basmati if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning quantities based on personal taste.
- For added flavor, marinate chicken with spices for 15 minutes before cooking if time allows.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 4 days.
- Broccoli can be steamed ahead or substituted with other vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meal prep container (approx. 1 cup rice, 1 chicken breast, 3/4 cup broccoli)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken meal prep, healthy chicken recipe, quick rice and broccoli meal, 20 minute dinner, easy meal prep chicken, healthy lunch ideas