Simple Healthy Chicken & Rice Meal with Tomato Salad

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to bring warmth, comfort, and balance to your table today? This Simple Healthy Chicken & Rice Meal with Tomato Salad is a dish that perfectly captures the spirit of wholesome home cooking — the kind that nourishes both body and soul. 🍗🍅

This recipe takes inspiration from generations of simple family meals, where a few fresh ingredients come together to create something truly satisfying. Picture tender, juicy chicken cooked with aromatic herbs, served over a bed of fluffy rice, and paired with a refreshing tomato salad bursting with color and zest. 🌿 It’s balanced, light, and perfect for busy days when you want something quick but still nutritious.

In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a complete meal that looks as beautiful as it tastes — ideal for weeknights, meal prep, or a hearty weekend lunch. So grab your apron and let’s bring a touch of tradition and freshness into your kitchen. 👩‍🍳✨

---

---

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Rice:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional for brightness)

For the Tomato Salad:

• 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ red onion, finely sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• A handful of fresh parsley or basil, chopped

---

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Rice:
   Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice:
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat in the oil. Pour in the chicken broth, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender — about 15 minutes for white rice or 30 for brown.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   While the rice cooks, season chicken breasts with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then cook chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you like a bright flavor.
4. Rest and Slice:
   Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
5. Prepare the Tomato Salad:
   In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently, then top with chopped parsley or basil.
6. Assemble Your Meal:
   Spoon a generous serving of rice onto your plate, top with slices of grilled chicken, and serve with the tomato salad on the side. Drizzle any leftover pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
7. Enjoy Warm or Cold:
   This dish is delicious hot off the stove or as a chilled meal prep lunch the next day. Add a spoonful of plain yogurt or tzatziki for a creamy touch if you like. 😋

---

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 25 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420
🍽️ Servings: 4

Approximate per serving:

• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 290mg

---

#HealthyEats 🥗 #ChickenAndRice 🍗 #QuickDinner ⏰ #FreshTomatoSalad 🍅 #HomeCookingLove ❤️ #BalancedMeal 🌿

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️