This one-pan chicken spinach and rice recipe is a weeknight winner! It's quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying dinner. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, fluffy rice, and a delicious savory sauce all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Let's dive in!
What You'll Need:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 10 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Equipment:
- Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven (at least 5-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions:
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Sauté the Chicken and Onion: Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the rice to the skillet and stir to coat with the oil and onion mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and chicken broth. Stir in the oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add Chicken and Simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted.
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Serve: Serve immediately. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Add a bay leaf to the skillet while simmering. Remove it before serving.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them along with the onion.
- Use different rice: While long-grain rice works best, you can experiment with other types of rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the skillet. You may need to cook it for a few extra minutes to ensure it's heated through.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, it can be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic as directed. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on your slow cooker.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make this recipe healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white rice, increase the amount of vegetables, and use less olive oil. You could also trim any excess fat from the chicken before cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables and measure out the spices in advance. You can also cook the chicken separately and add it to the skillet later. However, it's not recommended to cook the rice and spinach ahead of time as they will become mushy.
This chicken spinach and rice recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to please everyone. Enjoy!
