In the United States of America, the typical family dinner for four people averages approximately 41 minutes to prepare. An even more mind-blowing number is that eating dinner, on average, takes less than half the time it takes to prepare it.
Research shows that family dinners are increasingly important to strengthen family connections and emotional health: “more frequent family dinners are related to fewer emotional and behavioral problems, greater emotional well-being, more trusting and helpful behaviors towards others and higher life satisfaction” (Journal of Adolescent Health, April 2021).
Family dinners are also beneficial for children’s overall health and satisfaction, but they’re also easier on the wallet. Cooking at home allows for increased nutrition and family member interaction, allowing for large portions to be made, which creates leftover meals for additional days.
So, how do you make time to cook dinner every night? For me, it’s all about convenience. The longer the recipe takes to prepare, the less time to complete other tasks I have that day. I am constantly on the lookout for simple delectable recipes, take a minimal amount of time and that I can make large batches of if I wish. So instead of staring into your fridge night after night, while you ask yourself the same question. What can I make for dinner that’s easy and won’t take too long? No need to rack your brain any further- we have compiled a list of easy, delicious 15-minute chicken and rice dinners to minimize stress for you and your family to enjoy together.
Table of Contents
15-Minute Chicken and Rice
In the mood for a creamy chicken dinner? In 15 minutes, you can create the perfect homecooked meal with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. (https://minuterice.com/recipes/15-minute-chicken-and-rice-dinner/)
Ingredients:
- White rice – 2 cups
- Condensed cream of chicken soup – 1 can.
- Chicken breasts – 4, boneless & skinless.
- Chicken broth – ½ cup.
- Water – ½ cup.
- Canola oil – 1 tbsp.
- Garlic powder – 1 tsp.
- Onion powder – 1 tsp.
- *chopped parsley – optional.
Step 1: Heat the canola oil (1 tbsp) in a large, nonstick pan.
Step 2: Add the chicken breasts and cover the pan. Cook each side for approximately 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Step 3: Remove the chicken breasts from the pan and set them aside.
Step 4: Add chicken broth, condensed cream of chicken soup, and water to the pan. Stir and bring to a boil.
Step 5: Add rice, garlic powder, and onion powder to the pan. Mix well.
Step 6: Add the previously set aside chicken breasts to the top of your mixture.
Step 7: Cook on low for 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Step 8: Let side for approximately 5 minutes. Serve with chopped parsley (optional).
Step 9: Enjoy!
Curried Chicken and Rice Salad
Another delectable recipe includes few ingredients, with little to no effort or complications. What could be more perfect for a dinner night at home?
Ingredients:
- white rice – 2 cups
- bouillon cubes – 2 tsp
- water – 2 cups
- cooked chicken or ham, chopped – 1 cup
- mayonnaise – ¼ cup
- red bell pepper, diced
Step 1: In a medium saucepan, add and mix water, bouillon cubes, and curry powder. Bring to a boil.
Step 2: Gently stir in white rice and cover. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, allowing it to cool.
Step 3: Add chopped chicken, mayonnaise, and diced red pepper to your rice. Mix well and serve.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Mediterranean-Style Chicken and Rice
Last but not least, this dish offers a hearty, satisfying way to end a long workday, especially in the winter.
Ingredients:
- white rice – 2 cups
- chicken breasts – 4, boneless and skinless
- Italian-style diced tomatoes, undrained – 1 can
- frozen cut green beans – 1 cup
- olive oil – 1 tbsp
- salt – ½ tsp
- black pepper – ¼ tsp
Step 1: Prepare rice.
Step 2: Cook the chicken breasts in a large pan for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.
Step 3: Add a can of Italian-style diced tomatoes (undrained) and green beans to the pan and bring to a boil. Cover, put on medium-low heat.
Step 4: Let simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
Step 5: Stir in salt and black pepper. Serve over prepared rice.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Need something spicy to go with your rice? Try Spicy Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya
Conclusion
So if you find yourself staring into your fridge, wondering how you will have any time to prepare a healthy meal amidst your busy schedule, keep these convenient, delectable recipes close.
Featured Image by Asquith SOGNIGBE from Pixabay
