Sometimes, you just need quick and easy family meals that don’t involve hours in the kitchen or a Thanksgiving spread. Trust me, I get it! That’s why I love these non-Thanksgiving dinner ideas; they’re perfect for any night of the week. This dish is not only simple to whip up but also packed with flavor and nutrition. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all coming together in a delightful stir-fry that’s ready in just 25 minutes! You’ll find it’s a fantastic way to bring everyone together at the dinner table without the fuss. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. I love using a non-stick skillet for this; it makes everything so much easier!
- Add the diced chicken to the pan and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally so it cooks evenly.
- Next, toss in the broccoli florets. Cook them for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and just tender. The smell is amazing at this point!
- Now, stir in the cooked rice along with the soy sauce, garlic powder, and minced ginger. Wow, the flavors really start to come together!
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend everything well. You’ll want those flavors to marry!
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and then serve hot. Enjoy this delicious meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- One-pan cooking means less cleanup, yay!
- Packed with protein from the chicken, plus the goodness of broccoli.
- Flavors are deliciously balanced with soy sauce and ginger.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or a simple family dinner.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option, or even shrimp if you want a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free soy sauce. It’s perfect for those avoiding gluten!
What can I serve with this dish?
This stir-fry pairs beautifully with a side of steamed dumplings or a fresh salad. You can also serve it over noodles for a heartier meal.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just cook it when you’re ready!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Tips for Success
To really nail this dish, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your chicken is cut into uniform pieces; this helps it cook evenly. If you like a bit more crunch, you can blanch the broccoli briefly before adding it to the pan—it really enhances the texture!
Don’t be shy with the seasoning; a splash of extra soy sauce can elevate the flavor. If you want a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha just before serving.
For a beautiful presentation, serve it in a bowl and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top. It makes everything look so inviting! Lastly, feel free to play around with your favorite veggies—bell peppers or snap peas would be fantastic additions!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with this dish! If you want to switch up the protein, try using shrimp or even sliced beef for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, tofu is a fantastic option; just ensure it’s pressed and cubed for the best texture.
As for veggies, feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for extra crunch and color. You can also switch the rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb alternative. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of this delicious stir-fry is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten portions into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners later on. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label the container with the date!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to heat evenly. Alternatively, you can warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Enjoy your easy meal again without missing a beat!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so the information provided here is an estimate. Typically, each serving of this dish contains around 350 calories, 10g of fat, 30g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a balanced meal that offers a great mix of nutrients while being delicious and satisfying!
Print
Non Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas: 5 Quick Family Favorites
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy and delicious non-Thanksgiving dinner ideas for a family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add broccoli and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, garlic powder, and ginger.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Serve with sesame seeds on top for added flavor.
- Can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Adjust soy sauce amount based on taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: non thanksgiving dinner ideas
