Gimme a Cheap Weeknight Dinner Quick
When time and budget are tight, "Gimme a Cheap Weeknight Dinner Quick" is your go-to solution for a hearty, homemade meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Packed with pantry staples like canned black beans, diced tomatoes, and instant rice, this one-pan wonder comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Shredded chicken adds satisfying protein, while melted cheddar cheese gives it a comforting, gooey finish. With a touch of garlic and onion to build flavor and optional fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness, this dish is as affordable as it is delicious. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a wholesome, fuss-free dinner your family will love. Keywords: quick weeknight dinner, budget-friendly meal, one-pan recipe, chicken and rice skillet.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 units Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 unit Small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 14-ounce can Canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 15-ounce can Canned black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1.5 cups Instant rice
- 2 cups Chicken broth
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Heat a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Once the olive oil is hot, add the minced garlic and diced onion. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) and black beans. Stir well.
Add the instant rice, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and cover again. Let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy your quick and affordable weeknight dinner!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3168 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 85.1 g | 109% | |
| Saturated Fat | 34.1 g | 170% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 527 mg | 176% | |
| Sodium | 4889 mg | 213% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 349.9 g | 127% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 35.3 g | 126% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.8 g | ||
| Protein | 233.9 g | 468% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1186 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 18.0 mg | 100% | |
| Potassium | 3743 mg | 80% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
