This Chicken Breast and Broccoli dish is a winner for dinner! Juicy chicken paired with fresh broccoli and fluffy Knorr rice makes a tasty, one-pan meal that’s quick and easy.
It’s so simple to make; just cook everything together for a perfect harmony of flavors! I love how I can have a delicious meal ready in no time, leaving me more time to relax!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly. For a juicier option, you could use thighs instead. They add more flavor but might require a bit longer to cook.
Knorr Rice Sides: I love using the garlic & butter flavor for this recipe. If you don’t have Knorr, any flavored rice blend will work. Just follow the water ratio as per the package instructions.
Broccoli: Fresh is best for a vibrant texture and color, but frozen broccoli works well, too. Just adjust cooking time since it’s often pre-blanched. You can swap in other veggies like green beans or carrots for variety.
Herbs & Seasonings: I use garlic and onion powder for added flavor. If you have fresh garlic and onion, feel free to use that instead! Dried thyme, basil, or Italian seasoning also make great substitutes.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the chicken perfectly cooked every time takes a little attention. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot when you start cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
- Covering the dish with foil helps keep the moisture in, preventing the chicken from drying out.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this keeps it juicy when you slice it.
Best Chicken Breast and Broccoli with Knorr Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 box Knorr Rice Sides (typically chicken-flavored or garlic & butter)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups water (for cooking rice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary leaves)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional for finishing sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal can be prepped in about 10 minutes, and it takes about 40-45 minutes to bake in the oven. So, you’ll need roughly 55 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your meal cooks evenly and thoroughly when it’s time to bake.
2. Prepare the Rice:
In a medium-sized baking dish, combine the Knorr rice mix with 2 cups of water according to the package instructions. Don’t start cooking it on the stovetop just yet—this will all happen in the oven!
3. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Next, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary. Make sure to season them well so the flavors soak in!
4. Assemble in the Dish:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts directly on top of the uncooked rice mixture in your baking dish. This will allow the chicken juices to flavor the rice as it cooks. Yum!
5. Add the Broccoli:
Now, arrange the fresh broccoli florets around the chicken and rice. Spread them evenly so they’ll cook nicely. They’ll add a lovely pop of color and nutrition.
6. Cover and Bake:
Cover the entire baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This helps trap the steam inside, which keeps everything tender and juicy as it bakes.
7. Check for Doneness:
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes. You’ll want to make sure the chicken is fully cooked (it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the rice should be fluffy and tender.
8. Finishing Touches:
Once done, carefully remove the foil. If you’d like, dot some butter over the top of the chicken for a rich finishing sauce. Use a spoon to pour some of the cooking juices over the chicken and broccoli for added flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the chicken and serve it over the fluffy rice, with the broccoli on the side. Enjoy your delicious, one-pan meal!
This recipe yields juicy chicken, beautifully bright broccoli, and rice infused with all the wonderful flavors from the dish. Perfect for a satisfying dinner!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing.
What Can I Substitute for Broccoli?
If you don’t have broccoli, many other vegetables will work! You can use green beans, cauliflower, or asparagus. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a little splash of water to keep it moist if necessary.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through.
