Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, offering a creamy texture and delicious savory flavors with a subtle kick from optional cayenne.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A dash of cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice to coat it well with the butter and onion mixture, ensuring each grain is lightly coated.
- Simmer Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes or until the rice is almost fully cooked.
- Cook Broccoli: Add the broccoli florets on top of the rice, cover again, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked diced or shredded chicken, milk, shredded cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses melt and the ingredients are well combined into a creamy consistency.
- Season and Heat Through: Season with salt, pepper, and optionally a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat. Let the mixture warm through on low heat for a couple more minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated evenly.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Using leftover cooked chicken can save prep time and add flavor depth.
- For a richer dish, substitute milk with cream or half-and-half.
- Brown rice may require slightly more cooking time and extra liquid.
- Frozen broccoli can be used, but fresh is preferred for texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference or omit for a milder taste.
- To make this dish gluten-free, confirm the chicken broth is gluten-free.
