Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice
This cheesy broccoli cheddar chicken and rice is the ultimate weeknight dinner that is easy to prepare and requires minimal preparation.
Servings: 4 1.5 cup servings
Calories: 652kcal
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in ¼ inch square pieces
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 4 cups fresh broccoli spears cut into 1 inch pieces 10 oz bag
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 3 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dry long grain white rice
- 3 teaspoons garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the olive oil to the pan.
- Add the chicken to the pan and saute for 8-10 minutes, until the edges start to brown. (The chicken doesn’t have to be completely cooked because it will continue to cook for at least another 15 minutes.)
- When the chicken has cooked, turn the heat to medium. Add the onions and garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, carrots, chicken broth, rice, and dried spices to the pan. Stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Make sure to stir the rice every few minutes to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once the rice has cooked, discard the bay leaf. Stir in the milk, cheddar and parmesan cheeses. Stir over low heat for one to two minutes more until heated through.
- Top with extra cheese, serve and enjoy!
Notes
Be sure your skillet or pot is deep enough. This recipe has a lot of ingredients and you'll need a large pot to hold all of them! This is our favorite pot for one pot meals.
Wait to add the broccoli! The broccoli gets added towards the end so it doesn't overcook and get mushy.
Use freshly grated cheddar and parmesan cheese. Avoid using cheese from the green container... the fresh stuff tastes so much better!
Nutrition
Serving: 1.5cups | Calories: 652kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 57g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 766mg | Potassium: 1401mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 6362IU | Vitamin C: 86mg | Calcium: 386mg | Iron: 3mg
