One-pan chicken and rice is the busy weeknight dinner hero you’ve been searching for. With just a few simple ingredients and a microwave, you can whip up a cozy, protein-packed meal in no time. Say goodbye to endless cleanup and hello to a satisfying, stress-free dinner that will have you feeling like a real-life cooking pro.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
This one-pan chicken and rice dish checks all the boxes for a busy-day dinner: it’s quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup. The best part? It can be made in a single mug or microwave-safe bowl, making it the perfect weeknight solution. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and a melty cheese topping, this meal is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s a great candidate for meal prepping, so you can enjoy a home-cooked dinner all week long with hardly any effort.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
The beauty of this one-pan chicken and rice recipe is that it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, instant rice, chicken broth, shredded cheese, and a few seasoning staples like garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper.
- 8 oz (1 cup) – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup – Instant white rice, uncooked
- 1 cup – Chicken broth
- 1/2 cup – Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken (same protein, different form)
- Rice: Instant brown rice or quinoa (dietary swap)
How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Rice Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
This one-pan chicken and rice dish couldn’t be easier to whip up. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, microwave-made dinner in no time.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by dicing the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook through quickly in the microwave. Next, grab a microwave-safe mug or bowl and add the diced chicken, uncooked instant rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pop your mug or bowl in the microwave and cook on high for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be careful when removing the dish, as it will be hot.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Top the chicken and rice with shredded cheese and return to the microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Flavor Boost: Stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite salsa or hot sauce before serving.
- Veggie Addition: Mix in frozen peas or broccoli for added nutrition.
- One-Bowl Meal: Top your chicken and rice with a fried egg or avocado slices for a more complete, satisfying dish.
- Meal Prepping: Divide the chicken and rice mixture into individual microwave-safe containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A fresh side salad or steamed veggies.
Storage: Refrigerate in microwave-safe containers for up to 4 days.
Microwave Reheat: Reheat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: This dish is a total time-saver when it comes to meal prepping. Just divide the chicken and rice into individual containers and enjoy a quick, satisfying dinner all week long.
Nutrition Info
This one-pan chicken and rice dish provides a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats to keep you fueled and full. It’s a nutritious, microwave-made meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Serving Size: 1 dish
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken in this one-pan meal. Just make sure to dice the chicken into small pieces before cooking so it cooks through evenly in the microwave.
Can I make this recipe without a microwave?
While this recipe is designed for the microwave, you can also make it on the stovetop. Simply sauté the diced chicken in a skillet, then add the rice, broth, and seasonings. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender, then top with cheese and serve.
How can I meal prep this recipe?
Meal prepping this one-pan chicken and rice dish is a breeze. Simply divide the cooked chicken and rice mixture into individual microwave-safe containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! While this recipe calls for instant white rice, you can use other types of rice as well. Instant brown rice or quinoa would both work great in this dish.
How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?
To make this one-pan chicken and rice dish more appealing to little ones, try mixing in some shredded carrot or spinach, or serving it with a side of steamed broccoli. You can also adjust the seasoning to be a bit milder, or offer hot sauce on the side for those who like a little extra kick.
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- Savory Chicken And Rice Mug Meal
- One Pan Chicken Fajita Meal Prep Bowls In 30 Minutes
One-Pan Chicken and Rice Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Chicken and Rice Meal Prep is perfect for busy weeks. It’s cheesy, hearty, and packed with protein, all made in just one bowl!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 cup rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
1 cup shredded cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the diced chicken, rice, and chicken broth.
2.
3. Add the frozen mixed vegetables, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4.
5. Stir everything together until well mixed.
6.
7. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap.
8.
9. Microwave on high for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and rice is tender.
10.
11. Remove from the microwave and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and combined.
Notes
This recipe can be easily doubled for meal prep.
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg