Chicken & Rice with Garden Vegetables

This is a fast dish because we use the microwave to partially cook the rice while we brown the chicken in a skillet then finish the rice and the chicken together. I like the simple combination of fresh zucchini and fresh corn, but frozen corn is great in a pinch. This dish is great as leftovers so if you are looking for something to take for lunch, this is a good one!

Makes: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1 cup long grain white rice
salt and fresh ground black pepper
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (3/4 to 1 pound total)
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
2 small zucchini, cut in half lengthwise, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 cup fresh corn (or frozen corn)
4 green onion tops, sliced thin (1/2 cup)

1. Microwave Rice: In a medium microwave safe bowl, add 1 cup broth, rice, and 3/4 teaspoon salt and stir to combine. Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap and microwave on high power until the broth is absorbed, 8 to 10 minutes.

2. Brown Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and sprinkle with salt and pepper. In a large non-stick skillet with a lid, melt 2 Tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces until lightly browned on both sides, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. Cook Vegetables: Add remaining butter to the now empty skillet and let melt. Add zucchini and corn and stir well to combine. Cook until lightly browned, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

4. Finish Rice & Chicken: Add rice to the now empty skillet along with the remaining 2 cup broth. Bring to a boil. Add chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan and cover. Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until chicken is cooked through and rice is tender, about 12 minutes or so. Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Return cooked vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine.

5. Finish & Serve: Chop the chicken into bite size pieces and return chicken to the skillet along with the green onions. Stir well to combine and serve. Enjoy!