Asian-Style Chicken, Zucchini and Rice

Since it was 96 degrees today and I had already used my oven to bake macaroni and cheese for lunch, I felt guilty firing it up again, so I decided to make a stove-top dinner. My whole family loves this meal. The chicken always comes out so tender and I love the sesame-soy sauce flavor it has. It really is a quick and versatile dish. This has a tiny, tiny spicy kick to it. If you are not a fan of spicy food, simply leave the pepper flakes out.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 c carrots, julienned
  
• 2 c zucchini, cut in strips
• 14 oz chicken broth PLUS 1/4 c chicken broth
  
• 2 c Minute White Rice, uncooked
• 1/4 c soy sauce
• 2 tsp rice vinegar
  
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp peanut sauce
• Chinese Five Spice, dash
• Sea salt, to taste
  
• 3 eggs (optional)
  

Directions:

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, stirring until fragrant.
  
• Add vegetables. Season with Chinese Five Spice. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.

•  Add chicken. Stir occasionally, until lightly browned.

• Stir in 14 oz chicken broth and bring to a boil.
  
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 c chicken broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, brown sugar and peanut oil. Add to chicken and vegetables.
  
• Stir in rice and cover. Reduce heat to low. Cook 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are cooked to desired doneness.
• Season with salt.
  
• Optional: In the meantime, scramble the eggs until they just begin to turn brown. Add eggs to skillet.
  
• Serve hot and enjoy!