Let’s be real—life gets busy, and sometimes we just need a little help in the kitchen. That’s where make ahead meals come in! I can’t tell you how much I love prepping this simple recipe ahead of time. It’s a total lifesaver during hectic weeks when I’m juggling work, errands, and everything else life throws at me. With just a few easy ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that’s ready to go whenever you are. Trust me, having this dish stashed in the fridge makes weeknight dinners so much less stressful! You’ll find it’s not just tasty but also incredibly satisfying and packed with everything you need. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup of rice, uncooked
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s get into the fun part—cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious make-ahead meal ready in no time. Don’t worry if it feels a bit overwhelming at first; I promise it’s easier than it sounds!
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil
First things first, we need to heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is super important because heating the oil helps to create a nice, non-stick surface for cooking. Plus, it gets the oil nice and hot, which means your ingredients will cook evenly and beautifully!
Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Next, toss in your cooked chicken and mixed vegetables. If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, this is the perfect time to use it—talk about a time-saver! Make sure to stir everything together evenly for about 5 minutes. This helps the chicken warm up, and the veggies get a bit tender. You want that lovely mix to cook just right!
Step 3: Simmer with Broth
Now it’s time to pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Simmering just means cooking on low heat so that little bubbles gently rise to the surface. This step is crucial for developing flavor, so don’t rush it! Let it bubble away for a few minutes, and you’ll start to smell those delicious aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 4: Mix in Rice
Once your broth is simmering, it’s time to add the uncooked rice. Stir it in well so that every grain is coated with that tasty broth. Mixing it properly is key here; it ensures that the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all that wonderful flavor as it cooks.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Now, let’s season it up! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really make the dish your own—don’t be shy! A little seasoning can go a long way in enhancing all those flavors. Taste as you go, and adjust until it’s just right for you!
Step 6: Cover and Cook
Cover your skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Covering the skillet helps trap the steam, keeping everything moist and helping the rice cook perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want to keep that heat in!
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once the rice is nice and tender, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a bit before transferring it to meal prep containers. Cooling it is super important! It prevents moisture from building up inside the containers, which could make your meal soggy. After it cools, you’re all set to pop it in the fridge or freezer for your busy days ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Ideal for meal prepping, saving you time for days to come.
- Healthy and filling, packed with protein from chicken and fiber from veggies.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies—feel free to mix it up!
- One-pan wonder makes cleanup a breeze—less mess, more time to relax!
- Great for using up leftovers, so nothing goes to waste.
- Freezer-friendly, so you can enjoy it weeks later without losing flavor.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow cooks! Here are some pro tips that’ll help you nail this make-ahead meal and take it to the next level:
- Try Different Rice: While I love using regular white rice, don’t hesitate to experiment with brown rice or even quinoa! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions for the best results.
- Add Some Spice: If you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding some garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick. Spices can really transform the dish!
- Mix Up the Veggies: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, bell peppers, or even frozen peas work beautifully! Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the dish cool before storing is key to preventing condensation in your containers. This will keep your meal fresh and tasty for days!
- Make it Creamy: For a creamy twist, consider stirring in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt after cooking. It adds a lovely richness that’s hard to resist!
- Portion Control: When you store your meals, think about how you’ll be eating them. Dividing them into single-serving containers makes it easy to grab and go!
With these tips, you’ll be set up for success and ready to enjoy your delicious make-ahead meals without any stress. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each serving of this delicious make-ahead meal. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
With a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, this meal is not only satisfying but also nutritious. It’s a great option for those busy days when you need something quick yet wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice is a great option, but keep in mind it takes a bit longer to cook. You might need to adjust the cooking time to about 30-40 minutes, so just keep an eye on it!
How long can I store make ahead meals?
You can store these make-ahead meals in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, pop them in the freezer, and they’ll be good for up to 2 months!
What vegetables work best?
Honestly, you can use just about any vegetables you love! I find that broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and frozen peas work really well. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I make this meal vegetarian?
Definitely! Just swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein, like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just pop it in the microwave or reheat it on the stovetop until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to keep it nice and moist.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious make-ahead meal properly is key to keeping it fresh and tasty! Here’s how to do it right:
Once your dish has cooled completely, transfer it into airtight meal prep containers. This helps keep moisture out and prevents any unwanted smells from other foods in the fridge. If you want to store it for longer, these meals freeze beautifully! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container because the food will expand as it freezes. You can also use freezer-safe bags for easy stacking in your freezer—just squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing.
In the fridge, your meal will stay good for about 4 days. If you’ve opted to freeze it, you can enjoy it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking!
When it’s time to dig in, reheating is super simple. If you’ve got leftovers from the fridge, just pop them in the microwave. A good trick is to add a splash of water or broth to keep things from drying out—trust me, it makes a world of difference! Heat it up in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through.
If you’re reheating from the freezer, it’s best to let the meal thaw overnight in the fridge first. Then, follow the same microwave instructions. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if needed, until it’s steaming hot. This method keeps the texture nice and prevents any sogginess, so you can enjoy every flavorful bite just like the first time!
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Make Ahead Meals: 7 Easy Tips for Stress-Free Cooking
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for a delicious make-ahead meal that saves you time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked chicken
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cooked chicken and mixed vegetables. Stir for 5 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add rice and mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
- Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Store in meal prep containers for later use.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken to save time.
- Feel free to change the vegetables based on your preference.
- Make sure to let the meal cool before sealing the containers.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: make ahead meals
