Easy Budget Chicken and Veggie Rice Bowl

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup rice with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, grated ginger, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
3. Cook the chicken: While rice cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pat chicken thighs dry, season lightly with black pepper, and add to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice into bite-sized pieces.
4. Sauté vegetables and aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and frozen mixed vegetables; cook for another 4-5 minutes until vegetables are heated through and tender.
5. Combine and finish: Return sliced chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared soy-ginger sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook for 2 more minutes to let flavors meld and the sauce slightly thicken.
6. Assemble the bowls: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Divide rice evenly between bowls. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, budget-friendly meal packed with flavor and nutrients.

Chef tips

• Substitute chicken thighs with boneless chicken breast for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.
• Frozen mixed vegetables keep costs low and prepare quickly; fresh veggies like bell peppers or broccoli can be used if preferred.
• To make this dish vegetarian, replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• If you don’t have fresh ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger can be used but fresh will give the best flavor.
• For an extra flavor boost, add a splash of sesame oil when stirring in the sauce.