Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber: A Healthy Yet Flavorful Delight
Today, we present a recipe that brings together the satisfying flavors of glazed chicken, the wholesome goodness of rice, the refreshing crunch of cucumber, and the vibrant healthiness of broccoli – Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber – a balanced meal in a bowl.
Why Make This Recipe
What’s not to love about a meal that’s nutritious, filling, and delicious? The glazed chicken offers a savory protein component, the rice provides our carbohydrates, the broccoli and cucumber bring in the much-needed green goodness and fiber. And the best part? It’s also wonderfully quick and easy to make!
How To Make Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
Ingredients:
– 2 cups white or brown rice
– 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, sliced
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp honey
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Start by cooking the rice following the package instructions. Keep it warm.
2. In a small bowl, prepare the glaze by combining soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
3. On a pan over medium heat, cook the sliced chicken. Add salt and pepper for seasoning. Cook until golden brown.
4. Pour the glaze over the chicken in the pan. Make sure the chicken is fully coated and let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
5. As the chicken is simmering, steam the broccoli florets.
6. After all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble the bowl. Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Add the glazed chicken, steamed broccoli, and fresh cucumber slices.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds if you want, and serve immediately.
How To Serve Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
This Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. As a complete meal in itself, it doesn’t require any side dishes. However, if you wish, it can be complemented with a light soup or salad.
How To Store Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
If you have leftovers, let them cool down before transferring to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to two days. To serve, reheat on the stove or microwave, and ensure it’s piping hot.
Tips To Make Glazed Chicken Rice Bowl with Broccoli & Cucumber
1. Consider using brown rice for added nutrients.
2. Use a combination of honey and brown sugar for different kinds of sweetness in your glaze.
3. To get a slightly burned glaze, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Always sample your glaze before coating your chicken to adjust it to your liking.
Variation
If you want to make this meal vegetarian, replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
FAQs
1. Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can also use other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini or baby corn instead of or alongside broccoli.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used but note that they might take a little longer to cook.
3. Can I use a different kind of sauce?
While you can experiment with various sauces, keep in mind that the soy and honey mix is essential to get ‘glazed’ chicken.