Easy Healthy Chicken & Rice Skillet (25-Minute One-Pan Reset)

For a digital entrepreneur managing high-performance health platforms, the chicken and rice combination is a global classic that requires a professional-grade vegetable boost to meet Mediterranean standards. This skillet elevates the traditional pairing by utilizing a high-efficiency cooking method that keeps the protein succulent while the grains absorb the savory aromatics. From an expertise (E-E-A-T) perspective, the secret to a professional-grade one-pan rice dish is the “Grain-Activation Toasting Phase.” By sautéing the rice in avocado oil for 60 seconds before adding liquid, you activate the grain’s nutty flavor and create a Gold Standard protective barrier that prevents clumping and ensure a distinct, professional texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 20 Min
• Total Time: 30 Min
• Yield: 4 Servings
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Protein & Grains

• 1 lb Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup Brown Rice (Par-boiled for the Gold Standard 20-minute finish)
• 2 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil (The Gold Standard for high-heat sautéing)

The “Gold Standard” Veggie Mix

• 1 cup Frozen Peas & Carrots
• 1 small Yellow Onion, diced
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Turmeric (For a professional-grade anti-inflammatory “glow”)

The Finishing Touch

• 1/2 tsp Salt & 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• Fresh Parsley, chopped
• Lemon Wedges

Preparation Steps:

1. The Professional Sear

1. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add chicken cubes seasoned with salt and pepper.
3. Technique: Sear for 3–4 minutes until golden-brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet; this “Gold Standard” sear focuses on locking in juices and building a professional flavor base.

2. The Aromatic Toast

4. Push chicken to the sides; add onion to the center and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Add minced garlic and the dry brown rice.
6. Technique: Stir the rice constantly for 60 seconds until the edges look slightly translucent and smell nutty. This ensures each grain remains distinct during the simmer.

3. The Savory Simmer

7. Stir in turmeric, peas, and carrots. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
8. Immediately reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15–18 minutes. This is the Gold Standard absorption method where the rice drinks in the poultry-infused aromatics.

4. The Fluff & Finish

10. Remove from heat and let the pan sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This professional-grade “rest” allows residual steam to finish the rice perfectly.
11. Remove the lid, fluff with a fork, and stir in parsley. Serve with lemon wedges to brighten the earthy turmeric notes.

Expert Tips:

• The “Rice Type” Rule: If you use traditional (not par-boiled) long-grain brown rice, you must increase the simmer time to 40 minutes and add an extra 1/2 cup of broth. For your 2026 efficiency-focused content, “quick-cook” brown rice is the Gold Standard recommendation.
• Avoid the Scorched Bottom: Use a heavy-bottomed or professional-grade non-stick skillet. If the liquid evaporates before the rice is tender, add a splash of broth and reseal the lid immediately to maintain the “Gold Standard” steam environment.