Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake, a perfect amalgamation of creamy, cheesy, and comforting ingredients combined in a simple, one-pot meal. This dish features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce, all nestled atop fluffy rice. It’s an ideal recipe for a cozy family dinner that promises to satisfy both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked rice
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Skillet
Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once the chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink, season with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Incorporate Rice and Liquids
Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Adjust the broth as needed to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs the liquid.
4. Cook Rice Until Tender
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Add Broccoli and Cheese
Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften.
6. Broil the Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
7. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes approximately 45 minutes to prepare and cook.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or in the oven. If using the oven, cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat at 350°F until warm, about 20 minutes.
Conclusion
The Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake stands out as an exemplary comfort food dish that combines ease of preparation with delightful flavors and textures. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this bake will keep you coming back for more with its irresistible combination of cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients.
PrintCheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake, a perfect amalgamation of creamy, cheesy, and comforting ingredients combined in a simple, one-pot meal. This dish features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheese sauce, all nestled atop fluffy rice. It’s an ideal recipe for a cozy family dinner that promises to satisfy both children and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked rice
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Skillet: Start by heating the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Once the chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink, season with salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Adjust the broth as needed to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly and absorbs the liquid.
- Cook Rice Until Tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheddar cheese to the skillet. Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the broccoli starts to soften.
- Broil the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, then place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.