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- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon ginger, grated - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Salt and pepper to taste Marinating the chicken is key. It helps the flavors soak in. This step makes the chicken juicy and tasty. You want every bite to burst with flavor. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit longer for even better taste. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon sesame oil The garlic sauce is simple yet bold. Garlic gives it a strong flavor. Soy sauce adds umami, while honey brings a hint of sweetness. You can switch up flavors by adding chili flakes or lime juice. These changes can give the dish a new twist. - 2 cups cooked jasmine rice - 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Adding vegetables makes the bowls colorful and healthy. Bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness. Broccoli gives a nice bite and bright green color. For garnishing, sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds a lovely touch and extra flavor. By using these ingredients, your Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce will shine! You can find the full recipe to create this delightful dish. How to marinate the chicken To start, mix garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mix creates a tasty marinade. Add the diced chicken breast to the bowl. Coat the chicken well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step builds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. Cooking the chicken to perfection After marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Best practices for stir-frying Use the same skillet for the veggies. This way, you capture all the delicious flavors. Add sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets to the hot skillet. Stir-fry these for about 4-5 minutes. Keep the heat high to get a nice sear while cooking. Tips to retain crunch and color To keep veggies crisp and vibrant, avoid overcooking. Stir them quickly and watch closely. You want them tender but still bright and crunchy. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. Correct layering techniques In serving bowls, start with a generous scoop of cooked jasmine rice. This serves as the base. Next, add the garlic chicken and sautéed veggies on top. Layering this way keeps the dish balanced and colorful. Serving suggestions Finish the bowls by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds for texture. This adds extra flavor and visual appeal. You can enjoy these bowls warm or at room temperature. For more details, check the Full Recipe. How long should you marinate for maximum flavor? Aim for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the chicken to soak up the garlic and soy sauce. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. What are the best storage practices during marination? Use a sealed plastic bag or a covered bowl. This keeps the chicken from drying out. Place it in the fridge to keep it safe until cooking. How can you determine the doneness of chicken? Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you cut into it, the juices should run clear, not pink. How do you achieve the right texture in vegetables? Stir-fry over high heat for a short time. This method keeps the veggies crisp and colorful. Don't crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. What are some ideas for plating? Start with a scoop of jasmine rice in the bowl. Layer the chicken and veggies on top. Create a colorful contrast with the bright bell peppers and green broccoli. How can you garnish for visual appeal? Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds a pop of color and a nice crunch. You can also add a wedge of lime for a fresh touch. For the full recipe, check out the Garlic Bliss Chicken & Rice Bowls. {{image_2}} You can change up the proteins in your Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls. Try using shrimp or beef for a different taste. Tofu works great too if you want a plant-based option. For vegetables, feel free to switch it up. You can add carrots, snap peas, or zucchini. This lets you customize the dish to what you love most. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! While garlic sauce is a star, don’t be shy to explore other sauces. Teriyaki or sweet chili sauce can bring a new twist. You can also use sriracha for some heat. For spices, try adding paprika or cumin. These can enhance the overall flavor without much effort. Even a sprinkle of Italian herbs can create a fun fusion dish. To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It gives similar flavor without gluten. Want a low-carb version? Swap out rice for cauliflower rice. This keeps it light but still filling. You can enjoy all the yummy flavors without the carbs! To keep your easy chicken and rice bowls fresh, cool them first. Place the bowls in airtight containers. Store them in the fridge for up to four days. If you want to save them longer, freeze the chicken mixture separately from the rice. Use freezer-safe containers to avoid freezer burn. You can keep them in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, here are my favorite reheating methods: - Microwave: Place the bowl in the microwave. Heat for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through for even heating. - Stovetop: In a pan, add a splash of water. Heat over medium heat for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking. For both methods, ensure the chicken is heated to 165°F to keep it safe. In the fridge, your chicken and rice bowls last about four days. If you freeze them, they last for three months. Check for signs that they are no longer good. If you see any discoloration or smell a strange odor, it’s best to toss them. Always trust your senses when storing food. Enjoy your meals knowing you’re safe! You can enhance your meal with side dishes and drinks. Here are some ideas: - Recommended side dishes: - Steamed green beans or asparagus - A fresh garden salad - Crispy roasted sweet potatoes - Drink pairings that enhance the meal: - A light, fruity white wine - Sparkling water with lemon - A refreshing iced tea These pairings will bring balance and extra flavor to your chicken and rice bowls. Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Tips for meal prepping: - Marinate the chicken the night before. - Cook the chicken and vegetables, then store them in separate containers. - Storing pre-cooked components: - Keep the rice in an airtight container. - Refrigerate everything for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it up and enjoy! Reducing sodium is easy with a few simple swaps. Here are my suggestions: - Suggestions for low-sodium substitutions: - Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos. - Swap out regular broth for low-sodium options. - Tips for balancing flavors without added salt: - Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. - Use citrus juice for a zesty kick. These changes will keep your dish tasty while being mindful of sodium. This blog post covered everything you need to make easy chicken and rice bowls. We discussed essential ingredients, including how to marinate chicken and create a tasty garlic sauce. You learned step-by-step cooking and assembling tips for the perfect meal. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins and vegetables. With the right storage and reheating methods, leftovers can taste great, too. Enjoy your cooking journey and make it your own!

Easy Chicken & Rice Bowls with Garlic Sauce

Delight your taste buds with Garlic Bliss Chicken & Rice Bowls! This quick and easy recipe features tender marinated chicken, colorful veggies, and fluffy jasmine rice, all bursting with flavor. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal, this dish comes together in just 35 minutes. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore this deliciously simple recipe and make a meal everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked jasmine rice

1 lb chicken breast, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, grated

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, olive oil, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add the diced chicken breast to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

    Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until they're tender yet crisp.

        Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix it with the sautéed vegetables to heat through for an additional 2 minutes.

          Assemble the Bowls: In serving bowls, place a generous scoop of cooked jasmine rice as the base. Top it with the garlic chicken and vegetable mixture.

            Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.

              Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 4