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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: Comfort Food Your Family Will Love

Enjoy a comforting dish of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese that's perfect for family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Rice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken Use leftover rotisserie or canned chicken for quick prep.
  • 1 cup uncooked rice White rice cooks faster and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
For the Vegetables
  • 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen adds color and essential vitamins.
For the Cheesy Sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Ensure it’s shredded for a smooth, creamy melt.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty flavor that complements the cheddar.
  • 1 cup milk Helps create a silky texture in the sauce.
For the Flavor Base
  • 2 cups chicken broth Enhances the dish's savory notes; using homemade adds freshness.
  • 1 medium onion (diced) Provides aromatic sweetness, building a flavorful foundation.
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced) Infuses every bite with fragrant warmth.
For Cooking
  • 2 tablespoons butter Adds richness when sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • to taste salt and pepper Essential for enhancing each ingredient's natural flavors.
  • to taste cayenne (optional) A pinch offers a subtle warmth for extra flavor.

Equipment

  • large saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until bubbling. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  2. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, ensuring it's well-coated with the buttery onion mixture. Toast the rice for an additional 2 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  3. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, add in 2 cups of broccoli florets, covering the pot again. Cook for another 5 minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is tender yet still has a slight crunch.
  5. Stir in 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and all ingredients are well combined.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if desired. Keep the stove on low as you heat everything through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  7. Remove from the stove and serve hot. You can add a sprinkle of extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for an appealing finish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

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