Description
Comfort meets culinary creativity in this cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake, blending savory chicken, tender broccoli, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish meal. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking delicious weeknight dinner solutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Base and Grains:
- 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) uncooked rice
Liquids and Sauces:
- 1 can (10 ounces or 280 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings:
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Oils and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat a large oven-proof skillet with olive oil over medium heat, introducing chopped onions and cubed chicken to sizzle and develop golden edges.
- As chicken transforms from raw to lightly caramelized, infuse with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, creating an aromatic base that awakens the kitchen’s senses.
- Integrate uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and ensure consistent moisture throughout the mixture.
- Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the rice to simmer gently, periodically redistributing contents to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking until grains become tender and liquid absorbs.
- Introduce broccoli florets and half the cheddar cheese, folding gently to combine and allow vegetables to soften while maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Generously cascade remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, then transfer skillet to broiler, watching attentively as cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust.
- Extract skillet from oven, crown with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while cheese remains gloriously molten and ingredients radiate warmth.
Notes
- Versatile One-Pan Meal: This cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single skillet, making dinner prep and cleanup super easy.
- Quick Cooking Technique: Using an oven-proof skillet allows seamless stovetop-to-broiler cooking, reducing dishes and maximizing flavor development.
- Adaptable Ingredient Swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey or swap broccoli for cauliflower to customize the dish based on your pantry or preferences.
- Liquid Ratio Matters: Carefully monitor broth quantity to ensure rice cooks perfectly without becoming dry or overly mushy.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Broiling creates a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delicious texture and enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the skillet earlier in the day and refrigerate, then quickly finish cooking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg