Microwave Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Bowl
A high-protein bowl of tender chicken, fluffy rice and bright green broccoli, all steamed in the microwave and finished with a savory soy sauce drizzle.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep 5 · Cook 18 · Rest 5
- Serves
- 1
- Difficulty
- Easy
You'll practice: Absorption rice · Steaming
- Savory
- Microwave
Instructions
-
Rinse the rice under cold water until it runs clear, then drain well. Cut the chicken breast into 2 cm pieces and season with the salt and black pepper. Cut the broccoli into small 3 cm florets.
~5 min
Rinsing removes surface starch so the grains stay separate instead of turning gluey.
Cut the chicken into even 2 cm pieces so they cook through at the same rate as the broccoli.
-
Put the rice in a large microwave-safe bowl with 180 ml water. Cover and microwave on high for 8 minutes, until the water is mostly absorbed.
~8 min
Covering traps steam so the rice absorbs the measured water evenly rather than drying out.
Microwave wattages vary a lot. If the rice is still crunchy after resting, add 2 tbsp water, cover and microwave for 2 more minutes.
Absorption rice Use the right water ratio, keep it covered, and let it stand off heat so grains finish absorbing and fluff up. Crunchy rice means too little water or too short a rest.
-
While step 2 cooks
While the rice rests, toss the chicken with the olive oil and soy sauce.
~2 min
Oil and soy coat the chicken, helping it stay moist and seasoning it through as it steams.
-
Lay the chicken pieces on top of the rice, then scatter the broccoli over the top. Cover and microwave on high for 6 minutes, until the chicken reaches 74°C/165°F and the broccoli is tender.
~6 min
Layering lets the chicken drip juices onto the rice while steam cooks everything at once.
Steaming Keep the bowl covered so trapped steam cooks the chicken and broccoli evenly. Cut pieces uniform and check the thickest chicken piece reaches 74°C/165°F.
-
Let the bowl stand covered for 5 minutes so the rice finishes steaming and the chicken stays juicy. Fluff the rice with a fork and check the seasoning before serving.
~5 min
Standing covered lets residual heat finish the rice and lets chicken juices redistribute so it stays juicy.
Absorption rice Use the right water ratio, keep it covered, and let it stand off heat so grains finish absorbing and fluff up. Crunchy rice means too little water or too short a rest.