This Basil, Chicken & Tomato Rice skillet is a flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender chicken strips, fresh vegetables, aromatic garlic, fragrant basil, and Parmesan cheese.
Combined with chicken and herb rice and juicy diced tomatoes, it makes a satisfying Italian-inspired dinner with minimal cleanup.
The recipe requires 10 minutes of preparation and approximately 21 minutes of cooking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights. It yields four servings, each providing 404 calories and 31 grams of protein.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 21 minutes
- Total Time: 31 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Cooking Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Calories: 404 per serving
- Protein: 31 grams per serving
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound chicken tenders, cut into strips
- 1 cup chopped yellow or white onion
- 1 cup red pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Rice and Cooking Liquid
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup UNCLE BEN’S® Flavor Infusions Chicken & Herb Rice
Fresh Finishing Ingredients
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, cut into thin chiffonade strips
- ¼ cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Cut the chicken tenders into evenly sized strips to help them cook consistently. Chop the onion, slice the red pepper, and mince the garlic.
Wash and dry the fresh basil before cutting it into thin ribbons. Measure the remaining ingredients and set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips in an even layer. Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes, stirring or turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as too much chicken in the pan can cause it to steam instead of brown. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, sliced red pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to combine and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften while releasing their natural flavors.
Stir occasionally to prevent the garlic from burning and to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Add the Rice and Tomatoes
Pour the water into the skillet, followed by the canned diced tomatoes and their juices. Add the chicken and herb rice, then stir thoroughly to distribute the rice and vegetables throughout the pan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring as needed to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Once the liquid reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the cooking liquid has been absorbed.
Keep the lid closed during cooking to retain steam and help the rice cook evenly. If the rice needs additional time, continue simmering briefly while checking that the pan does not become too dry.
Step 6: Add Basil and Parmesan
Remove the skillet from the heat and uncover it. Gently fold in the fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese, allowing the residual warmth to soften the cheese and release the basil’s aroma.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish while warm, distributing the chicken, vegetables, and rice evenly among four plates.
Tips for the Best Results
- Cut the chicken evenly: Uniform strips cook at a similar rate and make each serving easier to portion.
- Brown the chicken properly: Allow the skillet to heat before adding the meat to encourage browning and develop a savory base.
- Watch the garlic: Add it alongside the vegetables and stir regularly to prevent it from scorching.
- Keep the skillet covered: A tight-fitting lid helps retain steam and promotes even rice cooking.
- Avoid overcooking the basil: Add fresh basil after removing the pan from the heat to preserve its fragrance and color.
- Let the cheese melt naturally: Fold in the Parmesan while the rice is still hot for a smooth finish without additional cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this skillet meal immediately while the rice is warm and the Parmesan is soft. For a complete dinner, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice or a side of steamed vegetables.
A slice of crusty bread can also complement the tomato-rich cooking juices. For extra freshness, add a few additional basil leaves as a garnish just before serving.
Nutrition Facts
The following values are approximate and represent one serving when the recipe is divided into four portions.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 404 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 12 g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 69 mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 769 mg | 33% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43 g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 8% |
| Total Sugars | 5 g | — |
| Protein | 31 g | 62% |
| Vitamin C | 41 mg | 46% |
| Calcium | 125 mg | 10% |
| Iron | 4 mg | 19% |
| Potassium | 453 mg | 10% |
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and products used.
Conclusion
Basil, Chicken & Tomato Rice is a convenient skillet dinner that brings together tender poultry, seasoned rice, juicy tomatoes, and fresh Italian-inspired flavors.
The straightforward preparation and one-pan cooking method make it suitable for weeknight meals, while the fresh basil and Parmesan provide a satisfying finishing touch. Serve it hot with a simple side salad or vegetables for an easy, complete dinner.
