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Budget Chicken And Rice Meal Prep With Broccoli Under $20

Budget Chicken And Rice Meal Prep With Broccoli Under $20


  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Diet: High-Protein

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast, diced into bite-sized pieces ($7.00)
  • 2 cups Uncooked White or Brown Rice ($1.00)
  • 2 large heads of Fresh Broccoli or 16 oz Frozen Florets ($3.00)
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil or Vegetable Oil ($0.50)
  • 2 tbsp Soy Sauce ($0.30)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder ($0.20)
  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder ($0.20)
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika ($0.10)
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste ($0.10)
  • Optional: Sesame seeds or Red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Start by rinsing your rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Combine the rice with the appropriate amount of water (usually a 1:2 ratio for white rice) in a pot or rice cooker. While the rice cooks, wash and chop the broccoli into small, even florets. If you are using fresh broccoli, you can lightly steam it for 5 minutes or roast it in the oven alongside the chicken for extra flavor. Ensure the rice is fluffy and fully cooked before setting it aside to cool slightly.
  2. Pat the diced chicken breast dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. In a large skillet or non-stick pan, heat two tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan in a single layer. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and develops a golden-brown crust. In the last minute of cooking, stir in the soy sauce to glaze the chicken pieces.
  3. Lay out five airtight meal prep containers on your counter. Distribute the cooked rice evenly among the containers, creating a base layer. Add a generous portion of the cooked chicken on one side and the steamed or roasted broccoli on the other. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before sealing the lids; this prevents excess moisture buildup which can make the rice soggy. Label your containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes