We all have those nights when dinner seems like an impossible task, right? Whether you’re racing against the clock after a long day or just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, I’ve got your back with these easy last minute dinner ideas. Trust me, this recipe is a lifesaver! It comes together faster than you can say “What’s for dinner?” and packs a punch of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can whip this up in about 25 minutes, and who doesn’t love a quick meal that’s both delicious and satisfying? Grab your skillet and let’s create something scrumptious without the fuss!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup cooked rice, preferably day-old for better texture
- 2 tbsp soy sauce, low-sodium for a healthier option
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced finely
- 1 tsp ginger, grated for a touch of warmth
- Salt and pepper to taste, season as you go!
How to Prepare Instructions
Let’s get cooking! This stir-fry comes together in about 25 minutes, so you’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother!
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
- Next, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn—nobody likes bitter garlic!
- Now, toss in the diced chicken breast, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink in the center.
- Once the chicken is done, it’s time to add the broccoli florets. Stir-fry them for about 3-4 minutes. They should be vibrant green and tender-crisp—just the way I like them!
- Now, stir in the cooked rice and drizzle the soy sauce over everything. Mix well, ensuring every grain of rice is coated and heated through. This should take an additional 2 minutes.
- Finally, serve your stir-fry hot! If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with sesame seeds for a little crunch and extra flair.
And there you have it—a delicious, quick dinner that’s ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a total time-saver—ready in just 25 minutes!
- One skillet means easy clean-up—yay for less mess!
- Packed with flavor from garlic and ginger, it’s anything but boring.
- Versatile ingredients let you customize based on what you have on hand.
- Healthy and satisfying, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips for Success
To really elevate this dish, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken; this helps achieve that lovely golden-brown sear. You can also marinate the chicken in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for about 15 minutes before cooking to deepen the flavors—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Don’t skimp on the seasoning; a pinch of salt and pepper during each step enhances the taste beautifully. If you want to add some crunch and a touch of freshness, toss in a handful of cashews or sliced almonds just before serving. Lastly, serving this with a wedge of lime can brighten up the flavors even more, making every bite sing!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to mix things up, this recipe is super adaptable! For a twist, try swapping out the chicken for shrimp or tofu—both work beautifully and cook quickly. If you’re feeling adventurous, use different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots for a pop of color and crunch. You can also experiment with sauces; teriyaki or hoisin sauce can add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the savory elements.
Want to make it spicy? Just toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha while cooking. The possibilities are endless! Feel free to play around with the ingredients based on what’s in your fridge. This recipe is all about convenience and flavor, so make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers from this delicious stir-fry? Yes, please! To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy nights ahead!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, there are a couple of great reheating methods. For the best results, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a drizzle of soy sauce to prevent sticking and keep it moist. Stir frequently until heated through, usually about 5-7 minutes.
If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed to your liking. Enjoy your quick meal again with minimal fuss!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving of this delicious stir-fry. Keep in mind these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This meal is not only quick and tasty but also packed with protein and essential nutrients to keep you fueled for the day ahead!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before dicing to ensure even cooking. You can also cook it straight from frozen, but it may take a bit longer.
What if I don’t have broccoli? No problem! Feel free to substitute with any vegetable you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even mixed frozen vegetables. Just adjust the cooking time based on the veggies you choose!
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! By using gluten-free soy sauce, you can easily make this stir-fry gluten-free. Just double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re free from gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier? If you love a kick, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha while cooking. You can even toss in some sliced jalapeños for an extra punch!
Can I make this in advance? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Just store everything in separate containers in the fridge, and you’ll have an easy last minute dinner idea ready to go!
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Easy Last Minute Dinner Ideas in 25 Minutes to Wow!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and simple dinner ideas for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 1 minute.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
- Add broccoli and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked rice and soy sauce, mix well.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Add bell peppers for more color.
- Serve with lime wedges for a fresh twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: easy last minute dinner ideas
