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Ever crave a satisfying and nutritious meal that comes together in a single skillet? Our Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet is the answer! This dish combines savory ground chicken, tender zucchini, and fluffy rice, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet
This Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet is destined to become a family favorite. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to make! Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- 30-Minute Meal: From start to finish, it’s ready in under half an hour.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is always a win.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein, veggies, and complex carbohydrates.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences.
- Comfort Food: Warm, satisfying, and incredibly comforting.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy it.
- Versatile: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prepping.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s gather the ingredients for this delicious Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet! Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for selecting the best quality:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (200g)
- 2 cups chicken broth (475ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Pro Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the paprika and cumin in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the skillet. This unlocks their aroma and depth.
Ingredient Selection: Choose bright green zucchini that are firm to the touch. For the chicken broth, opt for a low-sodium version to control the saltiness of the dish.
Essential Equipment List
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need for this Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet:
- Large skillet with lid: A 12-inch skillet provides ample space for cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching the skillet.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Knife and cutting board: Essential for prepping the vegetables.
Optional: A garlic press can save time when mincing garlic.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create this amazing Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet? Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Zucchini
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Add the rice, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients ensuring the rice is evenly distributed.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Rest and Fluff
- Remove the skillet from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid and become perfectly fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Troubleshooting: If the rice is still too wet after simmering, remove the lid and cook for a few more minutes until the liquid evaporates. If the rice is sticking to the bottom, add a splash of broth and gently scrape the bottom of the skillet.
Looking for another chicken recipe? You might enjoy this Chicken Fajita Rice Casserole for a flavorful twist.
Tips for Success
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the zucchini: Cook it just until tender-crisp to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use the right rice: Long-grain white rice works best. Avoid using instant rice, as it will become too soft.
- Control the heat: Ensure the heat is low enough to simmer the rice without burning.
- Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness, but dried can be substituted. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley if substituting.
Variations & Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations and substitutions to try:
- Add more vegetables: Diced bell peppers, carrots, or spinach would be great additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Use ground turkey: Substitute ground turkey for a slightly leaner option.
- Cheese: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before serving for added flavor.
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus.
- Crusty Bread: To soak up the flavorful broth.
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Easy 30-Minute Ground Turkey Teriyaki Stir-Fry – A sweet and savory delight ready in minutes.
- Chicken Taco Rice Skillet Bake – Add some Mexican flavors in your dinner tonight.
- Taco Spiced Chickpea and Rice Skillet – Spice up your dinner routine!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the rice, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cumin. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute ground chicken with lentils or crumbled tofu.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet
This Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:
For a refreshing drink, try pairing it with a sparkling water with lemon or lime.
Health Benefits
This Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Ground chicken provides lean protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Zucchini is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium. Rice provides carbohydrates for energy, and parsley adds a boost of antioxidants.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through, or warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent sticking.
You can also freeze this dish for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. You may also need to add more broth.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground chicken with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the skillet?
Make sure to use a non-stick skillet and keep the heat on low while simmering. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
More Delicious Dishes to Explore
Craving more quick and easy skillet recipes? Try these other flavorful dishes:
Enjoy these dishes for simple and scrumptious meals any night of the week!
Conclusion
Our Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet is a fast, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time!
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Ground Chicken Zucchini Rice Skillet
Description
A flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring ground chicken, zucchini, and rice simmered in a savory broth.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Keywords: ground chicken, zucchini, rice, skillet, one-pan meal, easy recipe, healthy dinner, weeknight dinner