There’s a certain comfort in a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and this Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Broccoli and Rice is the epitome of that feeling. Picture the moment you first take a bite: the creamy, rich sauce enveloping tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all harmonizing into one delightful medley. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
During a particularly busy week, I found myself rifling through my fridge, searching for a solution to the monotonous dinners dominated by takeout. That’s when inspiration hit! With just a few simple ingredients, I transformed my leftovers into a comforting, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. The best part? It all comes together in one skillet, making clean-up as easy as the cooking itself.
This recipe is not just quick and satisfying; it also invites creativity. Feel free to experiment with different veggies or even swap in your favorite proteins. Whether you’re feeding a family or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will soon become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Why is this Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice a must-try?
Comforting, hearty dish: This Cheesy Chicken Skillet is like a warm embrace on a plate!
Quick & Convenient: In just 8–10 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying meal that will banish the fast-food blues.
One-Pan Wonder: Less clean-up means more time to enjoy your meal with family or friends.
Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, every bite is a delightful burst of flavors.
Versatile & Customizable: Use leftover veggies or proteins; it’s an open canvas for your culinary creativity!
Get ready to impress everyone around your table and make this recipe your new go-to!
Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice Ingredients
• Perfect for a comforting family dinner!
For the Sauce
• Unsalted butter – adds richness and helps create a creamy base.
• All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend – thickens the sauce beautifully; choose gluten-free for dietary needs.
• Milk of choice – use whole milk for creaminess or a dairy-free alternative for a lighter option.
• Low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth – ensures a balanced flavor without too much salt.
• Garlic powder – enhances the savory notes; fresh garlic works as a substitute.
• Onion powder – adds depth; can be replaced with finely chopped onions if you prefer.
• Fine salt – brings out all the flavors in the dish.
• Dijon mustard – introduces a subtle tanginess that elevates the richness.
• Dried thyme – imparts a lovely herbal note; fresh thyme is equally delightful.
• Paprika – contributes color and a hint of smokiness.
• Black pepper – adds the perfect touch of heat.
For the Casserole
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – the star of the dish for a gooey, indulgent texture; feel free to mix in other cheeses!
• Frozen broccoli florets – a convenient way to add vibrant color and nutrition without preparation fuss.
• Cooked chicken – your choice of shredded or cubed; it’s the protein powerhouse of the dish.
• Cooked rice – fluffy rice serves as the perfect hearty base to absorb all that delicious sauce.
With these ingredients, your Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice will transform into a family favorite!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As it melts, sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds to create a roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully.
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Lower the heat to low and gradually add the milk, one cup at a time. Keep whisking slowly and continuously until all the milk has been added, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce.
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Combine the broth with the milk mixture, then whisk in the garlic powder, onion powder, fine salt, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, and black pepper. This will infuse your sauce with delightful flavors!
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Boil the mixture by raising the heat to medium-high. Stir constantly until it comes to a boil for about 1 minute, thickening nicely. Remove from heat once it’s just the right consistency.
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Add the shredded cheese into the sauce and stir until it melts completely, creating that dreamy, cheesy texture we all crave in our comfort food.
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Stir in the frozen broccoli, cooked chicken, and cooked rice back into the skillet. Mix them all well, ensuring everything is coated with your delicious cheese sauce.
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Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is heated through and the rice is tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the broccoli brightens in color!
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Top with more cheese if you like, cover for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. Just imagine that bubbling cheesy goodness!
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Let the dish sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce slightly and cool it down just enough for perfect serving.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese before serving for a delightful touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice
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Perfect Roux: Ensure you’re whisking continuously when adding flour to melted butter to avoid lumps in your cheese sauce.
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Gradual Milk Addition: Add milk slowly in cups, whisking in between, for a smooth, creamy sauce without clumps.
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Depth of Flavor: Don’t skip seasoning! Properly blending garlic powder, onion powder, and spices enhances the overall taste of your dish.
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Don’t Overcook: Stir occasionally while cooking the casserole mixture; overcooking can make the broccoli mushy and affect texture.
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Cheese Variations: While sharp cheddar is delicious, consider mixing in Monterey Jack or Gruyère for extra flavor depth in your Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy cheese sauce (steps 1-5) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can cook the chicken and rice in advance and keep them refrigerated separately. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dish, simply reheat the sauce until warm, stir in the broccoli, chicken, and rice, and then cook on medium heat until everything is heated through. This approach helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish, ensuring it’s just as delicious as when freshly made!
Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity blossom as you make this dish your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive meal. It still thickens beautifully!
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Veggie-Packed: Toss in extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for a colorful, nutritious boost. Each bite gets even more vibrant!
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a zesty flavor twist. This will surely set your taste buds dancing!
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Creamy Dreamy: Swap half of the milk with heavy cream for an ultra-rich sauce that’s simply irresistible. Who doesn’t love extra creaminess?
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Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a different taste profile. Mixing cheeses offers a delightful flavor depth!
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Rice Substitutes: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a healthier option. It still pairs well and packs a nutritional punch.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh, aromatic touch that elevates the dish. Garnishing never tasted so good!
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Flavorful Broths: Try using a flavored broth, like mushroom or roasted garlic, for an exciting depth of flavor. Watch your dish reach new heights!
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice?
A comforting dish like this deserves delicious companions to enhance your dining experience.
- Crispy Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic bread offers crunch and flavor, perfect for scooping up that creamy casserole.
- Garden Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: Their crisp-tender texture and subtle flavor provide a delightful balance, rounding out the meal beautifully.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal roasted veggies enhances the meal with sweetness and earthiness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Apple Crisp for Dessert: A warm apple crisp adds a sweet finish, its cozy spices echoing the comforting notes of the casserole.
- Sparkling Lemonade: The bubbly, citrusy drink complements the richness of the dish, making every bite feel light and refreshing.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges serve as a fun side, adding heartiness while inviting a splash of ketchup for dipping.
- Fruit Medley: A simple bowl of mixed berries or melon provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of cheese and chicken.
These delightful pairings will create a memorable meal experience, perfect for family dinners or cozy get-togethers!
Storage Tips for Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice
Fridge: Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Skillet in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It keeps the flavors intact while maintaining that creamy texture.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the dish completely before placing it in the freezer to prevent ice crystals.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Cover & Store: Always cover the dish tightly or transfer to storage containers. This helps retain moisture and flavor, keeping your meal enjoyable for days!
Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing broccoli, look for vibrant green florets without any dark spots or yellowing. Freshness is key, so the tighter and smaller the florets, the better. If you’re using frozen broccoli, just make sure it’s from a trusted source—frozen florets should be free from freezer burn and ice crystals.
How should I store leftovers of my Cheesy Chicken Skillet?
Very important! Place any leftover Cheesy Chicken Skillet in an airtight container in the fridge where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.
Can I freeze the Cheesy Chicken Skillet With Broccoli And Rice?
Yes, you can! I often make extra portions for the freezer. Just cool the dish completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little milk if needed for creaminess.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Don’t worry! If your sauce seems thick upon cooking, you can add a splash of milk or broth gradually until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir it in over low heat; this will ensure the sauce remains velvety and smooth as you integrate it with the rest of the ingredients.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions, you can tailor this recipe to fit your needs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and confirm your chicken broth is also gluten-free. If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting the cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without compromising on dietary preferences.
How long can I keep it in the fridge after cooking?
You can keep the Cheesy Chicken Skillet in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to discard it. Remember, food safety first!
Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Broccoli and Rice Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 30 seconds to create a roux.
- Lower the heat to low and gradually add the milk, one cup at a time, whisking slowly until smooth.
- Combine the broth with the milk mixture, whisk in garlic powder, onion powder, fine salt, Dijon mustard, thyme, paprika, and black pepper.
- Boil the mixture by raising the heat to medium-high and stir constantly until it comes to a boil, about 1 minute.
- Add the shredded cheese into the sauce and stir until completely melted.
- Stir in the frozen broccoli, cooked chicken, and cooked rice, mixing well to coat everything with the cheese sauce.
- Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, stirring until the broccoli is heated through.
- Top with more cheese if desired, cover for 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Let the dish sit uncovered for 5-10 minutes to thicken the sauce.