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Black pepper chicken breast served with rice and glazed carrots on a plate

Black Pepper Chicken Breast with Rice & Glazed Carrots

A comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines succulent chicken breasts with fluffy rice and sweet glazed carrots, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Look for fresh, plump pieces with a pink hue.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp black pepper Use freshly ground for better flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt
For the Rice
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice Stays fluffy when cooked.
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Carrots
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 1 tbsp butter For dairy-free, use olive oil or vegan butter.
  • 1 tsp honey For a vegan option, replace with agave syrup.
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Method
 

Cooking the Rice
  1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
  2. Pour the rinsed rice into a pot with 2 cups of water and 1/2 tsp salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer until the rice is fluffy, about 18-20 minutes.
Preparing the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and coat them with olive oil.
  2. Mix garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl, then rub this seasoning all over the chicken.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Preparing the Carrots
  1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and add the carrot chunks. Simmer until fork-tender, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the carrots and return them to the pot. Add butter, honey, black pepper, and salt, tossing until evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Fill a bowl with the cooked rice, slice the chicken breasts, and arrange them on top.
  2. Place the glazed carrots on the side, and garnish with additional black pepper if desired.

Notes

Serve with a light salad or steamed broccoli for added color. For meal prep, divide into portions before storing.