8 Healthy Chicken and Rice Recipes That Are Anything But Boring

8 Chicken and Rice Recipes That Are Anything But Boring

Grilled chicken and brown rice recipes are a healthy meal-prepper’s dream. After all, they’re packed with lean protein and complex carbohydrates — the best meal combo for muscle recovery post-workout. But they can get boring if eaten the same way day in and day out. So if you’re among the 21 percent of Americans who aims to eat more nutritiously and lose some pounds in the new year, turn to these low-calorie, flavorful chicken and rice recipes. Each proves that the dinner favorite can actually be satisfying and crave-worthy.

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8 Chicken and Rice Recipes So You’ll Never Get Bored

Chicken and Rice Recipes: One Skillet Spicy Ranch Chicken

1. One Skillet Spicy Ranch Chicken

One skillet, one pound of chicken breasts, one packet of ranch mix…this is one of the easiest chicken and brown rice  recipes to remember. In addition to chicken and rice, you’ll also get a bevy of fiber-rich bell peppers and black beans with each scoop. Since it comes together in just 20 minutes, this is a stellar swap for those days when you’re tempted to order takeout. Photo and recipe: Erin Clarke / Well Plated

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Baked Chicken Brown Rice Vegetable Casserole

2. Baked Chicken and Brown Rice Vegetable Casserole

Like the easiest-ever Cuban arroz con pollo, this one-pan chicken, brown rice and veggie casserole practically cooks itself after 10 minutes of prep time. To boost the vitamins, double the carrots and peas. Pro tip: Buy a bag of frozen mixed veggies so you get peas, green beans and carrots in one. Photo and recipe: Sabrina Snyder / Dinner, Then Dessert

RELATED: 5 Easy Dinner Ideas, 1 Rotisserie Chicken

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Chipotle Chicken and Rice Soup

3. Chipotle Chicken and Rice Soup

Think of this 30-minute chicken tortilla soup remix as the ultimate way to transform leftovers into something you’ll love. Use bone broth as the base for its joint-soothing properties, opt for brown over white rice to crank up the fiber and top with a few slices of avocado for a dose of healthy fats. Photo and recipe: Alexa Schirm / Simple Roots Wellness

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Maple-Ginger Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

4. Maple-Ginger Chicken Meal Prep Lunch Bowls

This Asian-inspired is endlessly customizable and is the perfect healthy swap for take-out. For the most nutrition per nosh, stick to brown rice, low-sodium soy sauce, lean chicken breasts and any in-season vegetables. Simply stir-fry the meat and veggies in a wok and then toss the sauce over the food. Photo and recipe: Denise / Sweet Peas and Saffron 

RELATED: 12 Delicius Asian-Inspired Recipes That Beat Takeout

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers

5. Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers make same-old chicken and rice recipes more interesting because of the crunchy, fiber-rich “bowl.” A zesty Mexican marinade makes the chicken breasts the star of this this healthy dinner. In fact, the protein is so flavorful, you only need two chicken breasts for six servings. The original recipe calls for Spanish rice, but feel free to trade in brown, black or red rice and cook about five minutes longer for a nutrition upgrade. Photo and recipe: Lyuba Brooke / Will Cook for Smiles

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Chicken Brown Rice Bowls with Peanut Sauce

6. Chicken Veggie and Brown Rice Bowls With Peanut Sauce

Pep up rotisserie chicken and leftover brown rice by mixing them with roasted sweet potatoes. Top it all with a generous spoonful of homemade peanut sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal. Don’t skip the cilantro for a burst of verdant freshness. Photo and recipe: Jaclyn Bell / Cooking Classy

RELATED: 15 Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Crave Beyond Thanksgiving

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Chili-Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls

7. Chili-Lime Mango Marinated Chicken Bowls

A splash of dry white wine in the mango marinade makes this chicken remarkably tender. A nice mix of spicy and citrus flavors, this healthy bowl is If you’re watching carbs, go bowl-ing with cauliflower rice, otherwise brown rice works wonderfully, too. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Cotter / Cotter Crunch

Chicken and Rice Recipes: Grilled Orange Chicken

8. Grilled Orange Chicken

This isn’t the Chinese orange chicken you’re expecting. Naturally-sweet dates, coconut aminos, and OJ team up to nicely balance out the spicy crushed red pepper in the awesome sauce. Again, rice type is up to you, but the flavors here mingle nicely with mild cauliflower rice. Photo and recipe: Tess Forneris / Easy GF Recipes 

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