Description
This comforting Chicken Broth Bowl features tender pan-seared chicken thighs served in a flavorful chicken broth simmered with white rice, mirepoix vegetables, spinach, fresh herbs, and finished with Parmesan cheese and a bright squeeze of lemon. A perfect hearty yet light meal that combines sautéing and simmering for rich, homey flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 4 chicken thighs (skinless & boneless)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 carrot (diced, ½ cup)
- 1 rib celery (diced, ½ cup)
- ½ small yellow onion (diced, ½ cup)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
Broth and Grains
- 5 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
Greens and Herbs
- 2 Tbsp frozen spinach
- 1 Tbsp fresh basil (minced)
- 1 Tbsp fresh parsley (minced)
Finishing Touches
- 3 Tbsp Parmesan cheese (grated, 2 oz.)
- ¼ lemon (for squeezing)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Prep Vegetables and Herbs: Small dice the carrot, celery, and onion into roughly ½ cup portions each. Mince the garlic, fresh basil, and parsley finely.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle half (½ Tbsp) of the olive oil over the chicken thighs and season them evenly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside to let the flavors penetrate.
- Sauté Mirepoix: Heat the remaining ½ Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onions and sauté until soft and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Brown Chicken: Push the softened vegetables to the side of the skillet, increase heat to medium-high, and place the seasoned chicken thighs in the cleared space. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side.
- Flip and Finish Cooking Chicken: Turn the chicken thighs to cook the other side for an additional 5 to 6 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160℉ before removing from the skillet. Cover the chicken to allow residual heat to bring it to 165℉ while resting.
- Deglaze Pan with Broth: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the skillet and toss with the vegetables for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth and use a whisk or spatula to scrape any browned bits from the pan bottom. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
- Slice Chicken: While the broth simmers, slice the rested chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces or strips for easy serving.
- Simmer Rice and Spinach: Add the uncooked rice and frozen spinach to the simmering broth. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender. Check the rice and simmer 1-2 minutes longer if necessary.
- Combine Herbs and Chicken: Stir the minced basil and parsley into the skillet with the mirepoix and broth mixture. Add the sliced chicken back to the pan to warm through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot broth, rice, chicken, and vegetables into bowls. Garnish each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165℉ by allowing it to rest after removing from heat.
- You can substitute fresh spinach for frozen if preferred, adding it directly to the broth during simmering.
- Adjust seasoning and salt in the broth according to your taste, especially if your chicken broth is already salted.
- This recipe works well with white or brown rice; cooking times will vary accordingly.
- For a creamier texture, you can stir in a spoonful of cream or coconut milk before serving.