Chicken and rice recipe: Here's an easy way to make a flavorful dish on a budget
Terry BaddooDespite the proliferation of cooking shows on TV and YouTube, most of us don’t have the time, talent, or inclination to don the white apron and whip up a cordon bleu meal for ourselves or our families. It can be an achievement just to get something on the plate each night that loosely qualifies as edible. But just because you don’t have the ability or the budget to become a contestant on MasterChef, it doesn’t mean you have to resort to the microwave. With a little ingenuity, anyone can whip up a healthy, nutritious, and satisfying meal in minutes. And what better place to start than with a steaming plate of chicken and rice?
How to make chicken and rice dish
- Season sliced chicken with a spice blend, then fry
- Fry vegetables in a separate pan
- Toast rice in butter
- Add canned tomatoes to the rice
- Add chicken broth to tomatoes and rice
- Add salt and stir in vegetables and cooked chicken
- Garnish
Watch the video above to follow along with the recipe.
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How to eat healthy on a budget
Eating healthily on a budget might seem difficult. Convenience foods are so-called for a reason. But as we all know, they’re not necessarily the most nutritious and good for you. Instead, follow some of these tips for a healthy, cost-conscious diet.
One of the keys to eating healthily is planning your weekly menu. The internet is full of healthy meal ideas, many of which have very simple recipes. Of course, your daily dishes are not set in stone, and life will get in the way. But having good intentions will at least encourage you to stay on track.
Before heading to the grocery store, create a list and try to stick to it, which will help reduce the temptation to make impulse buys that may not be in your best interests. Scanning the store ads for coupons can also help you cut costs; just be careful to only clip coupons that apply to the items on your list.
Fill the list with healthy choices like vegetables, fruits, grains (assuming you’re not gluten-free), and lean proteins such as white-fleshed fish and skinless poultry. Herbs are also a great addition, as they can add flavor and seasoning and are a healthy substitute for salt.
For more information on eating healthily, check out the healthy eating guide on the CDC website.
Finally, another way to stretch your budget is to buy in bulk, which is usually more economical. You can then store the non-perishable excess food and/or freeze the leftovers for future meals.
Eating on a budget may seem like a chore. But with a little forethought, you can still eat well and do your body good.