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Leftover Chicken Spinach And Yellow Pepper Rice Recipe

Transform leftover chicken into a vibrant and healthy one-pan rice dish! This lightened-up risotto alternative bursts with fresh flavors – juicy chicken, sweet yellow peppers, and tender spinach – all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that's both satisfying and delicious. #leftoverchicken #rice #onepanmeal #healthyrecipe #easyrecipe #weeknightdinner #spinach #yellowpepper

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Calories 485.8 kcal
Protein 40g
Rating 3.5 (2 Reviews)
Leftover Chicken Spinach And Yellow Pepper Rice

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Leftover Chicken Spinach And Yellow Pepper Rice

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • Medium Grain White Rice
  • White Wine
  • Chicken Stock
  • Cooked Chicken
  • Baby Spinach Leaves
  • Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

How to Make Leftover Chicken Spinach And Yellow Pepper Rice

  1. Place 2 cups of chicken broth in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  2. Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened (about 5 minutes).
  4. Add 1 cup of Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes, until the rice is translucent.
  5. Pour in ½ cup dry white wine (optional) and simmer until almost evaporated (about 1 minute).
  6. Add 1 ladle of hot chicken broth to the rice, stirring constantly until absorbed. Continue adding broth, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed, for about 17 minutes, or until rice is creamy and al dente.
  7. Stir in 1 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced, and 2 cups of baby spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach is wilted and chicken is heated through.
  8. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

17 g

Sugar

18g

Fat

10g

Carbs

23g

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation Occasion Healthy Main Dish Poultry Rice Easy European Kid Friendly Low Fat Chicken Dietary One Dish Meal Low Sodium Low Cholesterol Low Saturated Fat Low Calorie Comfort Food Healthy 2 Low In Something Meat Chicken Breasts Pasta Rice And Grains Medium Grain Rice Taste Mood Savory Presentation Served Hot