This Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Bowl has under ten ingredients and is an easy, delicious meal when you're short on time!
In busy seasons of life, I'm always looking for easy meals that pack a lot of flavor and leave me feeling nourished. Delicious meals don't have to be complicated, and this recipe is as tasty as it is simple! Who wouldn't want a meal that can be prepped ahead AND tastes great?
This lemon and basil chicken and rice bowl calls for broccoli and brown rice, but one of the wonderful things about this recipe is its versatility. Don't have broccoli on hand? Simply swap it for whatever veggie you desire. And this bowl is just as delicious if you swap the brown rice for white rice or cauliflower rice!
This recipe comes together quickly and easily. For the lemon basil sauce, you'll start by using a blender to combine the basil, lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, simmer the rice in two cups of water until it's all absorbed, about twenty minutes. While the rice is simmering, cook the ground chicken. Finally, add the broccoli florets, and cook until softened. Now all that's left is assembling the bowls—top the rice with the ground chicken and broccoli, then drizzle as much lemon basil sauce as you'd like.
Finally (and this is the most important step)—enjoy!
Lemon Basil Chicken and Brown Rice Bowl
Ingredients
For the Lemon Basil Sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 bunch basil
- 1 lemons
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
For the Lemon Basil Chicken & Broccoli
- 1 # ground chicken
- 28 oz broccoli florets
- 1/2 lemon basil sauce
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For the Brown Rice
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
For the Lemon Basil Sauce
- In a blender combine: handful of basil + zest of 1 lemon + juice of 1 lemon + 1/4c olive oil + 1/8 tsp salt + 1/8 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
For the Lemon Basil Chicken and Broccoli
- Heat 1T olive oil over med heat. Add ground chicken + ~1/4 tsp salt + 1/4 tsp pepper.
- Cook, breaking apart meat, until cooked through. Remove from pan.
- In the same pan add broccoli florets + 1T olive oil. Cook, stirring, ~5-6 mins or until broccoli is softened.
- Build bowls: brown rice + ground chicken + broccoli + drizzle of lemon basil sauce to taste.
For the Brown Rice
- Add 1c brown rice + 2c water to a med pot. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn heat to low. Simmer for ~20 mins or until liquid is absorbed.
Nutrition
Is this Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! The lemon basil sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Additionally, the broccoli can be cut into florets ahead of time. When you're ready to cook this meal, you'll simply simmer the brown rice, cook the chicken and broccoli, and then assemble with the lemon basil sauce. Delicious!
What's the nutrition like for this Lemon Basil Chicken and Rice Bowl?
Not only is this recipe tasty, but this Lemon Basil Chicken is balanced and nutritious, too! We love it because it is both hearty and nourishing. Here are some nutritional facts about this recipe:
Olive Oil (Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Monounsaturated Fats, Antioxidants)
Due to the type of fat it contains, olive oil may reduce inflammation. It also reduces the risk of Alzheimer's, stroke, and heart disease. Make sure to get high-quality extra virgin olive oil, as it retains more antioxidants and nutrients.
Basil (Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Manganese)
A significant source of Vitamin K, basil may also reduce memory loss, blood pressure, and depression. Smelling basil also may help you feel more alert so consider growing some in a kitchen garden to smell whenever you need a boost!
Lemon (Vitamin C, Citric Acid)
Just one lemon provides 51% of the daily recommended vitamin C. This is important not only to fight colds, but for long-term health as studies show consuming produce with vitamin C helps prevent heart disease and stroke. Consuming lemons may also help protect against anemia and kidney stones, likely due to their citric acid content.
Chicken (Selenium, Zinc, B Vitamins)
In addition to being packed with protein, chicken is a good source of several vitamins and nutrients. Selenium is beneficial for both your immune system and your thyroid. B vitamins promote a healthy brain and high energy levels. Chicken is also considered a good food for weight loss due to its high protein content and relatively low calories, depending on the cut of chicken.
Broccoli (Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium, Zinc, Folate)
High in vitamin C, iron, calcium, and many other vitamins, broccoli offers a variety of health benefits. In addition to its vitamins, broccoli contains a chemical compound called sulforaphane, which may help lower blood sugar, prevent cancer, and prevent osteoarthritis.
Can I make any substitutions in this meal?
This recipe can be used with either ground turkey or ground chicken, whichever is your preference.
In addition, white rice or cauli rice can be used in place of brown rice. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly! If you're looking for a more flavorful rice, try cooking the rice in broth instead of using water.
If you don't prefer broccoli, feel free to use any other veggies you have on hand. Zucchini, green beans, or asparagus would all be tasty options! Keep an eye on them as you sauté, though. Cooking times for these might vary from the recipe.
FAQ—Everything You Want to Know About This Lemon Basil Chicken and Brown Rice Bowl.
What kind of rice goes well with this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses brown rice, but using white rice, or even cauliflower rice, is an easy and delicious substitute! Whichever rice you decide to use, just make sure you adjust the cook time accordingly.
What can I substitute for ground chicken?
If you're not a fan of ground chicken, try using ground turkey in this recipe. If you'd prefer diced chicken, try cubing chicken thighs or chicken breasts in 1/2 inch pieces for this recipe.
What is the Lemon Basil Sauce made of?
This lemon basil sauce is made using olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and basil. Blending these ingredients together creates a lovely, fresh taste for the ground chicken and brown rice.
Do you have any more chicken recipes that are good for meal prep?
Firecracker Ground Chicken with Chili Sauce, Broccoli, & Rice
You're going to love this meal—the sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. And this recipe is so customizable. Simply choose whatever veggies you have on hand and have a delicious, balanced meal ready to eat!
Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts
This chicken salad recipe is great for meal prep. Plus, it's very versatile! Enjoy this chicken salad in a wrap, or on bread. You can even top your favorite greens with it!
Slow Cooker Sriracha Chicken
Slow cooker recipes are a great way to manage busy days when you simply don't have much time to cook. This sriracha chicken is delicious served in lettuce wraps, on top of rice or with your favorite veggies.
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