I Made Homemade Rice-a-Roni for my Meal Prep this Week | Chile Lime Chicken with Golden Rice

chicken breasts

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is lower in calories and provides a plant-based protein option.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is often less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade broth

💰Cheaper: water

Using water is a cost-effective way to prepare rice.

red bell pepper

🥗Healthier: yellow bell pepper

💰Cheaper: green bell pepper

Green bell peppers are typically less expensive and have a slightly different flavor.

Break dried spaghetti noodles into small pieces about 1/2 inch in length.

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a rice cooking pot over medium heat.

Add broken noodles to the pot and stir to coat with butter, browning slightly for flavor.

Measure out and add 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to the pot.

Stir noodles often to prevent burning for about 3-4 minutes until they change texture and color.

Add 1 cup dry rice and the bowl of seasonings to the pot, mixing to coat the rice with butter and spices.

Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and prevent burning.

Add 2 cups chicken broth and 1/3 cup water to the pot, totaling 560 g of liquid.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil for 1 minute, ensuring it reaches a high temperature.

Cover with a tight-fitting lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 18 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and let the rice rest for an additional 10 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano.

Add 2 lb chicken thighs to the marinade and mix until coated.

Spray a large sheet tray with oil and lay chicken thighs smooth side down.

Bake chicken in the oven at 400°F (204°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Prepare broccolini by cutting stems on a bias and tops into bite-sized chunks.

Steam broccolini in a microwave-safe dish with 40 g water covered with a plate for 90 seconds.

Drain excess water from broccolini and drizzle with 2 teaspoons lemon juice, adding salt and pepper to taste.

Set broccolini aside until ready to plate.

Once chicken is cooked, pour 60 g water around each piece to lift marinade and create a sauce.

Let chicken sit in the water for a few minutes to absorb flavor.

Use gloves to tear chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix with residual sauce.

Taste chicken for salt level and adjust if necessary.

Uncover the rice after resting and fluff with a fork.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens