Who says comfort food can’t be light, flavorful, and meal prep-friendly? This light and zesty chicken, rice, and veggies dish is a fresh take on a classic favorite. Made with zesty Italian dressing, Italian seasoning, bone broth for extra protein, and just the right amount of light cheese and crispy French fried onions, it’s a feel-good meal you’ll love. Whip up a batch for a satisfying dinner or portion it out for easy, delicious lunches all week long!
Light and Zesty Chicken, Rice and Veggies
Yield 6
Prep time
10 MinCook time
80 MinTotal time
1 H & 30 MThis lightened-up comfort food recipe is packed with zesty flavor and perfect for meal prep! Made with simple ingredients like Italian dressing, chicken, rice, veggies, and a crispy onion topping, it’s a no-fuss meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- ½ cup Zesty Italian Dressing (lite)
- ½ cup French Fried Onions (plus an additional ½ cup for topping)
- 1½ lbs Chicken breast, cooked and cubed
- 1 cup White rice, dry
- ½ cup Light cheese
- 3 cups Frozen Broccoli, Cauliflower and Carrots (or your favorite frozen veggie mix)
- 3 cups Chicken bone broth (or substitute chicken broth)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed chicken in a 9x13 baking dish and toss with the zesty Italian dressing. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Build the Dish: Remove the dish from the oven and add the rice, frozen vegetables, and chicken bone broth. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, then top with ½ cup of French fried onions.
- Bake to Perfection: Return the dish to the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Add the Final Touches: Take the dish out of the oven and sprinkle with an additional ½ cup of French fried onions and the light cheese. Cover with foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let cool slightly before serving. Portion into containers for meal prep or enjoy it fresh out of the oven! This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers!
Notes
- Swap chicken bone broth for chicken broth if you prefer, but the bone broth adds an extra boost of protein.
- Normandy vegetables are a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but feel free to use any frozen veggies you like.
- For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of French fried onions or cheese.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
462Fat
12 gCarbs
37 gFiber
3 gSugar
4 gProtein
46 gCholesterol
116 mgSat. Fat
3 gPlease use your own calculator - my products may vary from yours!
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