Ginger Chicken & Broccoli Brown Rice Bowls

Lightly gingered chicken, plentiful broccoli, and autumn carrots top nutty brown rice in a practical Japanese-inspired bowl featuring late-October Washington vegetables.

  • Total time: 55 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $6
  • Calories per serving: 490 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Hand Trimmed Boneless Skinless Fresh Chicken Breast
    12 oz $4.99
  • Kroger Long Grain Brown Rice
    1/2 cup dry (about 3.5 oz) $1.19
  • Broccoli Crown
    12 oz $2.49
  • Carrots
    4 oz $1.39
  • Organic Ginger Root
    2 teaspoons finely grated $3.99
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $0.79
  • Reduced-sodium soy sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Honey
    1 teaspoon
  • Canola oil
    1 tablespoon
  • Fine table salt
    1 1/8 teaspoons, divided

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1/2 cup dry brown rice. Combine it in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/8 teaspoon fine table salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 40–45 minutes, until tender and the water is absorbed, then remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Prepare the other components while it cooks.

  2. Cut 12 oz chicken breast across the grain into 1/2-inch-thick strips. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt and let stand for 10–15 minutes while preparing the vegetables; the soy sauce will supply additional seasoning.

  3. Cut 12 oz broccoli into small florets; peel the tender stalk and slice it thinly. Scrub 4 oz carrots and slice into thin half-moons. Finely grate enough ginger to measure 2 teaspoons and mince 2 garlic cloves.

  4. Stir together the glaze in a small bowl:

    • 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon honey
    • 2 teaspoons finely grated ginger
    • 2 tablespoons water

    Set the glaze aside.

  5. When the rice has about 15 minutes left, heat 1 teaspoon canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared broccoli and carrots, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon fine table salt, and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons water, cover, and steam for 3–4 minutes, until crisp-tender and bright. Transfer the vegetables to a plate.

  6. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons canola oil to the skillet. Add the seasoned chicken in one layer and cook for 3 minutes without moving it. Turn and cook for another 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds, then pour in the glaze. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, turning the chicken until glossy and its thickest pieces reach 165Β°F.

  7. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss with the glazed chicken for 1 minute. Fluff the rested rice, divide it between two bowls, and arrange the chicken and vegetables over it. Spoon the skillet juices over the top and serve.

Drink pairing: Unsweetened green tea complements the ginger and savory glaze without adding sweetness.