Let’s be real—some nights just don’t allow for elaborate dinners, right? That’s where quick dinners come to the rescue! I love this recipe because it’s not only super fast but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Picture this: a busy weeknight, the clock ticking, and you’ve got hungry bellies to fill. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy. Trust me, this chicken and broccoli dish will become your go-to for those chaotic evenings when time is of the essence but you still want a delicious home-cooked dinner!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup cooked rice, for serving
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
- 2 cloves garlic, minced, for flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, to season
How to Prepare Quick Dinners
Cooking doesn’t have to be a complicated affair, especially when you’re aiming for quick dinners! This recipe is as straightforward as it gets. First, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to go. Trust me, having everything at your fingertips makes the process smoother and less stressful. Start by heating the olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. This should take about a minute. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and let that aroma fill your kitchen for about a minute. It’s heavenly!
Next, add in those bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them until they’re golden brown, which should take about 5-7 minutes. You want them nicely seared! Then, toss in the broccoli florets along with the soy sauce, stirring everything together so it gets well coated. Cover the pan and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the broccoli is tender. Finally, serve this delightful mixture over a bed of warm rice, and voilà! You have a quick, delicious dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Introduce 1 lb of cut boneless chicken breasts to the pan, cooking until browned, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Next, add in 2 cups of broccoli florets and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, stirring well to combine.
- Cover the pan and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over 1 cup of cooked rice, and enjoy your quick dinner!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on the nutritional values for this quick dinner! Each serving is estimated to have about 350 calories, with 10g of fat and 30g of protein. You’ll also get 40g of carbohydrates, along with 3g of fiber. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Simple ingredients you likely already have at home
- Packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a healthy choice
- Perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight
- Versatile—easily customizable with different veggies or proteins
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup—yay!
Tips for Success
To make this quick dinner even better, here are some of my favorite tips! First, feel free to adjust the soy sauce to suit your taste—if you like it saltier, go ahead and add a bit more. Another great tip is to use frozen broccoli if you’re in a real hurry; it cooks down perfectly and saves you some prep time! Don’t forget to keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks; you want it just golden and juicy, not overdone. Lastly, feel free to experiment with different veggies like bell peppers or snap peas for a fun twist!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try! For a vegetarian option, swap out the chicken for tofu—just make sure to cube it and press it to remove excess moisture. You can also mix in different veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for added color and crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try adding some ginger for a zesty kick or a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for extra flair!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just place any uneaten chicken and broccoli in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warmed through, which should take about 5 minutes. You can also microwave it for about 2-3 minutes, but I recommend stirring halfway through to keep everything nice and even. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
What to Serve with Quick Dinners
To elevate your quick dinner experience, consider pairing it with a simple side salad—fresh greens tossed with a light vinaigrette complement the meal beautifully. You could also serve some steamed dumplings for an extra touch of Asian flair! If you’re in the mood for something heartier, fluffy garlic bread is always a hit. And don’t forget a refreshing fruit salad for dessert to round out your meal perfectly!
For more quick dinner ideas, check out this quick chicken stir-fry recipe or this easy chicken tetrazzini recipe. If you’re interested in the health benefits of broccoli, you can learn more here.
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Quick Dinners: 7 Tasty Recipes for Busy Weeknights
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Quick and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chicken breasts and cook until browned.
- Add broccoli and soy sauce, stir well.
- Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- Serve over cooked rice.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Use frozen broccoli for convenience.
- Adjust soy sauce for desired saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: quick dinners
