Quick Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley Recipe For Dinner

Whipping up a satisfying chicken and veggie rice medley can transform your weeknight dinner routine in unexpected ways.

Flavors mingle beautifully, creating a colorful plate packed with nutrition and comfort.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among vibrant vegetables, promising a meal that feels both wholesome and indulgent.

Fresh ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks.

Seasonal vegetables add surprising depth and texture to each delightful bite.

Balanced nutrients and rich flavors guarantee everyone at the table will ask for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this simple yet impressive dish for your regular meal rotation.

Why Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley Is a Comfort Favorite

• Simplify Cooking: Create a delicious one-pan meal with minimal kitchen tools and easy-to-follow steps that streamline your cooking process.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your plate with protein-rich chicken, colorful vegetables, and hearty rice, delivering a balanced and satisfying meal that nourishes your body.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe versatile for different dietary needs and flavor profiles.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for bringing everyone together with its crowd-pleasing combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant vegetables that appeal to all ages.

Ingredients in Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein source that provides essential nutrients and forms the main component of the dish.

• Onions, Carrot, Bell Pepper: A colorful and flavorful vegetable mix that adds texture, nutrition, and depth to the rice medley.
• Corn: A sweet and crunchy addition that brings extra flavor and texture to the dish.
• Dill: A fresh herb that provides a light, tangy, and aromatic finish to the rice medley.

• Rice: A classic grain that serves as the hearty base of the dish, absorbing flavors and providing a satisfying texture.
• Vegetable Oil: A cooking medium that helps sauté vegetables and cook chicken with even heat distribution.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Versatile seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken and vegetables.
• Tomato Paste: A rich and concentrated ingredient that adds depth and a slight tanginess to the chicken sauce.
• Water: A necessary liquid for cooking rice and creating a light sauce for the chicken.

Step-by-Step for Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

Step 1: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

• Sliced onions
• Chopped carrots
• Diced bell peppers

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Cook until vegetables become tender and slightly caramelized, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear Chicken

In a separate pan, cook chicken breasts seasoned with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Sear until golden brown and crispy on the outside, ensuring a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Chicken Sauce

Add tomato paste and water to the chicken pan.

Cover and simmer on low heat, allowing the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb the rich, tangy sauce.

Step 4: Prepare Fluffy Rice

In another pan, lightly fry chopped onions.

Add rice and toast briefly. Pour water and season with salt.

Cook until rice becomes soft and fully cooked.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Mix the cooked rice with sautéed vegetables.

Gently fold in canned corn and fresh dill for added brightness and flavor.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Arrange the rice mixture as a beautiful base, then place the perfectly cooked chicken breasts on top.

Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Tips to Perfect Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

• Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a delicious vegetarian version of this hearty dish.
• Select fresh, crisp vegetables for maximum flavor and nutritional value in the rice medley.
• Experiment with different spices like cumin or smoked paprika to add depth and complexity to the chicken and vegetable mixture.
• Use brown rice instead of white rice for a more nutritious and fiber-rich alternative that adds nutty flavor to the dish.
• Keep the chicken moist by avoiding overcooking and using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Variations to Try with Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice Bowl: Swap paprika for chili powder, add jalapeños to vegetables, mix in black beans and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pilaf: Replace dill with fresh oregano and parsley, incorporate kalamata olives and feta cheese, season chicken with Mediterranean spices like oregano and thyme.
• Coconut Curry Chicken Rice: Substitute water with coconut milk, add curry powder to chicken, mix turmeric and ginger into rice, garnish with chopped cashews and green onions.
• Asian-Inspired Teriyaki Chicken Rice: Use teriyaki sauce instead of tomato paste, add soy sauce and sesame oil, mix in edamame and green onions, garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

What Pairs Well with Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

• Savor Zesty White Wine Pairing: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the dish's richness, complementing the chicken's subtle spices and bright vegetable medley with its citrusy undertones.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Fresh Greek yogurt or tangy tzatziki sauce adds creamy coolness, balancing the dish's warm paprika notes and providing a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty rice and chicken.
• Herbaceous Side Companion: Light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette introduces a zesty freshness that cleanses the palate between bites, highlighting the meal's vibrant vegetable components.
• Texture-Enhancing Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds sprinkled on top create a delightful textural contrast, adding nutty depth and subtle crunch to the soft rice and tender chicken.

How to Store Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley Right

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and rice to maintain better texture and freshness.
• Freezer Storage: Pack meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label container with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheating: Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring rice halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheating: Warm chicken and rice in skillet over medium-low heat. Drizzle small amount of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs About Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken and veggie rice medley is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook the components in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it convenient for busy weekdays.

• Can I use different types of rice?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests regular white rice, you can easily substitute it with brown rice, basmati, or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking times according to the specific rice variety’s instructions.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

To boost protein content, you can add chickpeas, black beans, or increase the chicken portion. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top for extra protein and crunch.

Hearty Chicken and Veggie Rice Medley Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chicken and veggie rice medley brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a nourishing meal you’ll savor with each delightful spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 3 onions, sliced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 milliliters) canned corn
• 1 bunch dill, finely chopped

Base and Liquid:

• 1 glass (200 grams) rice
• 2 glasses (400 milliliters) water
• 100–150 milliliters (0.4–0.6 cups) water

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) tomato paste
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Paprika to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat, sautéing sliced onions, carrots, and bell peppers with salt, pepper, and paprika until vegetables soften and become translucent.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then fry in a separate pan until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
3. Introduce tomato paste and water to the chicken, reducing heat to low and covering the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked through.
4. In another pan, quickly toast a chopped onion, then add rice and briefly fry to enhance flavor. Pour in water, season with salt, and cook rice until tender and fluffy.
5. Gently fold sautéed vegetables into the prepared rice, incorporating corn kernels and fresh dill for additional texture and aromatic complexity.
6. Plate the dish by creating a flavorful rice foundation, then strategically placing the succulent chicken breasts on top for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting paprika or adding chili flakes for spice lovers who want an extra kick.
• Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Use brown rice for added nutritional value and a nutty texture, which increases fiber and provides more complex carbohydrates.
• Quickly reduce cooking time by using pre-cut vegetables or rotisserie chicken, perfect for busy weeknight meal preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg