Ditch the stove and fire up your microwave for this lightning-fast Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal! As your friendly neighborhood cooking rebel, I’m here to show you how to get a complete, satisfying dinner on the table in just minutes. With no messy pots and pans to clean up, this one-bowl wonder is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, comfort-food fix. Get ready to dig into a protein-packed, flavor-packed meal that will have you wondering why you ever wasted time on more complicated recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal
This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is a game-changer for busy home cooks. It’s quick, easy, and insanely delicious – the holy trifecta of weeknight dinners! In just 5 minutes, you can have a complete, satisfying meal without any of the usual dinnertime hassle. The microwave works its magic to create a tender, juicy chicken and fluffy rice base that’s just begging to be customized with your favorite toppings. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with this one-bowl wonder. Whether you’re craving something comforting on a stressful day or need a real-life, real-food solution for dinner tonight, this Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal has got your back.
Ingredients (Single-Serve)
You only need a few simple, everyday ingredients to whip up this Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal. Grab some boneless, skinless chicken breasts, instant rice, broth or stock, and a few seasonings, and you’re good to go! The best part? This meal comes together in just one microwave-safe mug or bowl, so cleanup is a breeze.
- 4 oz – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1/2 cup – Instant white rice
- 3/4 cup – Chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp – Dried thyme
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (just as tender and juicy)
- Rice: Brown rice or quinoa (for a whole grain swap)
How to Make Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal
This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is so quick and easy, you’ll be in and out of the kitchen in no time. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by chopping your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Add in the instant rice, broth or stock, and your desired seasonings. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Pop the mug in the microwave and cook on high for 4-5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Be sure to stop and stir the mixture halfway through cooking.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Give the Savory Chicken and Rice a final stir, then dig in! You can top it with shredded cheese, fresh herbs, a dollop of sour cream, or any other toppings that sound good to you.
Variations & Time-Saver Tips
- Seasoning Swaps: Try Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or taco seasoning for different flavor profiles.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Bulk it up with frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or anything else that sounds good.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a luxurious twist.
- Meal Prep Magic: Make a few servings at the start of the week and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Serving, Storage & Reheat
Serve with: A crisp side salad, roasted veggies, or crusty bread.
Storage: Leftover Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meals will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Microwave Reheat: Pop the cold mug back in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, until hot and steaming.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is a dream for meal prepping. Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy it all week long!
Nutrition Info
This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is a real-food, protein-packed dinner that will leave you feeling satisfied. Each serving contains around 350 calories, with 30g of protein, 40g of carbs, and 10g of fat. It’s a balanced, nutrient-dense meal that’s perfect for fueling your busy day.
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to chop the frozen chicken into bite-sized pieces before cooking. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the microwave time.
Can I use regular rice instead of instant?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Regular long-grain white rice will likely take 7-8 minutes to cook through in the microwave. Brown rice may take 10-12 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free broth or stock.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, also swap in your favorite plant-based protein, like tofu or chickpeas.
How can I meal prep this recipe?
This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is perfect for meal prepping! Make a few servings at the start of the week and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners. The leftovers will keep for 3-4 days.
Try These Next
- Savory Chicken And Broccoli Mug Meal
- Savory Chicken Enchilada Mug Meal
- Savory Chicken And Rice Meal Prep Jars
Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 8 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dinner Mug Meals
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Chicken and Rice Mug Meal is a quick and delicious dinner option, perfect for busy nights. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s ready in just a few minutes!
Ingredients
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
1/4 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup diced carrots
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe mug, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken.
2. Add the frozen peas and diced carrots.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and soy sauce.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
5. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
6. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Let it cool for a minute before eating. Enjoy your meal!
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving.
You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg