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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: Cozy Comfort for Family Dinner

A comforting one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce; perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 2 cups Cooked Chicken Feel free to use rotisserie for quickness.
  • 1 cup Uncooked Rice Brown rice works too; adjust cooking time.
  • 2 cups Broccoli Florets Both fresh and frozen are great options.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Always opt for shredded for easier melting.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Contributes nutty flavor depth.
  • 1 cup Milk Essential for a rich texture.
For Flavor Depth
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth Enhances both rice and chicken.
  • 1 medium Diced Onion Provides a sweet aroma when sautéed.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Elevates the taste.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Enhances sautéing.
  • to taste Salt Essential seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential seasoning.
  • optional Cayenne For a subtle kick.

Equipment

  • large saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Incorporate 1 cup of uncooked rice into the saucepan, stirring to coat each grain in the buttery mixture. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth, bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  4. Stir in 2 cups of broccoli florets, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Add 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously over low heat until melted and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne if desired. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  7. Scoop portions onto plates and serve hot, optionally topped with additional cheese or fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 750mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time. Add shredded cheese after reducing heat to prevent clumping. Adjust cooking time for brown rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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