Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of chicken, the crunch of fresh vegetables, and the satisfying textures of rice. This recipe is a fantastic choice for a weekday meal, making it easy for anyone to whip up a nutritious and appetizing dinner in no time. With its vibrant colors and delicious glaze, this step-by-step recipe will guide you through creating a home-cooked meal that everyone will love.
Imagine biting into juicy, tender pieces of chicken glazed with a smoky and sweet sauce, accompanied by perfectly roasted broccoli and refreshing cucumber slices. Each bowl is finished off with creamy avocado, offering a luxurious touch that takes this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Why is this dish worth making? It’s not just delicious, but also offers a wonderful balance of nutrition and flavor that will leave you feeling satisfied and full.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl is perfect for busy families or individuals who crave a quick yet fulfilling meal. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, it caters to even the most hectic schedules. You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
The dish is family-friendly, appealing to both adults and kids with its sweet and savory flavors. Plus, it requires only a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Healthy, delicious, and uncomplicated, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy homemade cooking with very little hassle.
Ingredients for Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon of smoky paprika
- 1 tablespoon of golden honey
- 2 tablespoons of savory soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup of fluffy cooked white rice
- 1 crisp cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed
- A pinch of salt
These ingredients promise to create a vibrant and fulfilling bowl. The succulent chicken, the sweet tang of honey, and the delicious crunch of fresh veggies will create a medley of flavors and textures you won’t forget.
Step-by-Step Directions
Prepare the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until they develop a golden-brown color, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, smoky paprika, soy sauce, and honey, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully. Let the sauce thicken and coat the chicken, cooking for another 5 minutes, which helps to infuse the meat with all that flavorful goodness.
Roast the Broccoli
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until they are well-coated. Spread the broccoli evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes or until they turn tender and slightly crispy. Alternatively, you can sauté the broccoli in a skillet until charred and tender if you prefer.
Assemble the Bowl
To assemble your delicious rice bowl, start by scooping a serving of warm cooked white rice into a bowl. Top the rice with a generous portion of the glazed chicken, roasted broccoli, sliced cucumbers, and the creamy mashed avocado. Finish the dish by sprinkling with a pinch of salt for an extra touch of flavor. Enjoy every colorful and nutritious bite!
Tips & Tricks
To truly elevate the flavors in your Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and honey for a few hours before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more delicious flavors.
If you desire extra crunch, add some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top right before serving. For a more spicy kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili.
You can easily customize this dish by incorporating other favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl alongside a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil for a refreshing palate cleanser. A chilled beverage, such as lemonade or iced green tea, will pair wonderfully, balancing out the savory notes of the dish.
For a heartier meal, consider serving some steamed dumplings or spring rolls on the side. These additions complement the bowl beautifully, delivering different textures and an array of flavors for a complete dining experience.
Nutritional Information
This dish provides a balanced nutritional profile, making it not just a satisfying meal but also a health-conscious choice.
A typical serving of this Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl is approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 5g
This bowl is packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables, ensuring you feel full and energized without a heavy after-meal feeling.
Storing Tips & Variations for Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the chicken moist.
For those looking for healthier swaps, you might substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a fiber boost. If you want a lower-carb option, you can use cauliflower rice.
In terms of variations, consider adding other proteins like shrimp or tofu to switch things up while still keeping that delicious glazing and nutrition intact!
Conclusion for Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl
Now that you’ve discovered the fun and simple process of making a Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber, it’s time to get cooking! The delightful combination of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and creamy avocado creates a meal the whole family will enjoy. Give this recipe a try, and treat yourself to a deliciously healthy homemade bowl that will satisfy your cravings effortlessly.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; however, make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.
2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with marinated tofu or chickpeas, following the same cooking instructions.
3. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
Consider using a low-sodium soy sauce or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, such as tamari.
4. Can I prep this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and broccoli in advance and store them. Just assemble the bowl before serving for freshness.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat when ready to eat.
Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Ingredients
For the chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon smoky paprika
- 1 tablespoon golden honey
- 2 tablespoons savory soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the chicken
For the vegetables and rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup fluffy cooked white rice
- 1 cucumber crispy cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 piece ripe avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for roasting broccoli
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- a pinch salt for finishing the bowl
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until they develop a golden-brown color, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, smoky paprika, soy sauce, and honey. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.
Roast the Broccoli
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Spread the broccoli evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes or until tender and slightly crispy.
Assemble the Bowl
- Scoop a serving of warm cooked white rice into a bowl. Top with a generous portion of the glazed chicken, roasted broccoli, sliced cucumbers, and creamy mashed avocado.
- Finish by sprinkling with a pinch of salt for extra flavor.