School Lunch Chicken Skillet

As the school year rolls around, parents often find themselves in a familiar dilemma: how to provide nutritious and satisfying meals that their children will actually enjoy. This task becomes even more crucial as children are spending long hours in school, requiring meals that fuel their bodies and minds while remaining appetizing. The School Lunch Chicken Skillet Surprise is a fantastic solution to this challenge, offering a balanced meal option that is both delicious and easy to prepare.

Get ready for a hectic school year with the School Lunch Chicken Skillet Surprise, a nutritious and delicious one-pan meal that kids will love! This recipe combines lean chicken with colorful vegetables, black beans, and wholesome grains, making it not only easy to prepare but also packed with essential nutrients. With simple cooking techniques and minimal clean-up, this dish is perfect for busy families looking for a satisfying meal that fuels both body and mind. Customize it to fit your family's tastes, and enjoy quality time together in the kitchen!

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa

1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional: lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in the minced garlic and diced chicken, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.

Incorporate Vegetables: Add the diced bell pepper, corn, and black beans to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Season It Up: Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper over the mixture. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to infuse for another 2-3 minutes.

Mix in the Grains: Add the cooked brown rice or quinoa to the skillet, mixing thoroughly so that it’s evenly distributed among the chicken and vegetables.

Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot, with optional lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 25 min | 4 servings