Ah, the dance of dinner prep—sometimes it feels like a chaotic ballet, doesn’t it? Especially after a long day, when the mere thought of washing multiple pots makes you want to run for the hills. Enter this Creamy One-Pan Chicken and Broccoli Dinner, a culinary hug in a pan, ready to rescue your evening. It’s like having a cozy chat with an old friend while your taste buds do a little happy jig.
Steps
- In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onions until they become soft. Meanwhile, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the skillet, browning the pieces before adding garlic and cooking for another minute.
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add another tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Add the uncooked rice to the olive oil and sauté for a few minutes to toast it.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook the chicken and rice mixture for about 12 minutes.
- Evenly distribute the broccoli over the chicken and rice mixture, then stir to combine. Cover and continue cooking on low heat for another 8 minutes, or until both the broccoli and rice are tender.
- Remove the skillet from heat, stir in half a cup of cheese, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the pan and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese has melted.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing onions)
- 1 additional tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing rice)
- 1 onion, chopped
- Chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper (or use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, divided (1/2 cup stirred in, 1/2 cup sprinkled on top)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3444kcal | Carbohydrates: 96g | Protein: 276g | Fat: 216g | Saturated Fat: 102g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 90g | Trans Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 834mg | Sodium: 4794mg | Fiber: 18g | Sugar: 12g
FAQ
- Can I use different vegetables instead of broccoli?
- Yes, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or asparagus if your family prefers those.
- Is it possible to use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
- Certainly! If you’re using rotisserie chicken, add it towards the end along with the cheese to heat it through.
- What size skillet should I use for this recipe?
- A large skillet or pan with higher edges is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients. A 12-inch skillet with a slightly raised edge works well.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance?
- While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components in advance. Cook the chicken and rice separately, and combine them with broccoli and cheese when you’re ready to serve.
- What can I do if I don’t have chicken broth on hand?
- If you don’t have chicken broth, you can use a chicken base like Better than Bouillon by mixing it with water as an alternative.
Tips
- Pre-toast the Rice: Before adding liquid, sauté the uncooked rice in a little olive oil. This step enhances the flavor by slightly toasting the rice, giving it a richer taste in the final dish.
- Use a Large Skillet: Ensure you use a skillet or pan that is at least 12 inches wide with slightly raised edges. This will help accommodate all the ingredients comfortably and prevent any spills while cooking.
- Customize Vegetables: If broccoli isn’t a favorite in your household, feel free to swap it out for other vegetables like spinach or asparagus, which can also complement the cheesy chicken and rice well.
- Incorporate Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, consider using rotisserie chicken. Simply add it towards the end along with the cheese to heat through, saving time on cooking chicken from scratch.
Equipment
- Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe that you might find on Amazon and may not normally have at home:
- 12-inch skillet or pan with a higher edge and a lid.
