How to Make the Perfect Mild Chicken and Rice Bowl
American · Easy · 35 min · 5 servings
This simple and nourishing chicken and rice bowl uses tender slow-simmered chicken shredded to a toddler-safe texture and combined with soft fluffy rice. It is mild enough for sensitive toddler palates while still providing excellent protein and complex carbohydrates.
Why this recipe works
This Mild Chicken and Rice Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 220 calories with 20g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup white rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth for cooking rice
- 1.5 cups low sodium chicken broth for poaching chicken
- 0.25 teaspoon mild garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Poach the chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a small saucepan and cover with 1.5 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for 18 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Cook the rice
While the chicken poaches combine the rice and remaining 2 cups of chicken broth in a separate saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18 minutes until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is completely soft.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and allow it to cool for 3 minutes. Use two forks to shred the chicken into very small fine pieces that are safe and easy for toddlers to chew and swallow without difficulty.
Step 4: Combine and serve
Stir the butter and garlic powder into the hot rice until the butter melts. Combine the shredded chicken with the rice and add a splash of the reserved poaching broth to keep everything moist and easy to eat. Cool to a safe temperature before serving.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- white rice → well-cooked orzo pasta which has a similar soft texture and is equally easy for toddlers to eat
- chicken breast → boneless skinless chicken thighs which are more forgiving and stay extra moist and tender
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Shredding the chicken into pieces that are too large which can pose a choking hazard for toddlers between ages 1 and 3
- Not adding enough of the poaching broth back into the finished dish which can result in a dry mixture that is difficult for toddlers to chew and swallow
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 220 calories, 20g protein, 26g carbs, 4g fat, 1g fiber.
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