Cheesy Chicken and Rice Recipe with Broccoli
Keep things simple and delicious with our classic Cheesy Chicken and Rice made with Minute® Instant White Rice and loaded with your favorite broccoli and Cheddar combo.
(211 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups Minute® White Rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
The classics are classic for a reason and this Cheesy Chicken and Rice dish is no exception! Loaded with broccoli, chicken and melted cheddar cheese, it will always be a favorite at the dinner table.
Step 1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 2
Next, melt butter in the same skillet on medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth and lightly bubbling.
Step 3
Add garlic salt and onion powder and slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk on medium high heat until simmering.
Step 4
Stir in rice and broccoli. Top with chicken and sprinkle with cheese. Cover skillet and cook on low for 5 minutes, or until rice is tender and broccoli is cooked through.
Recipe Tips
To reduce the cook time, skip Step 1 and add 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken in place of the raw chicken breast.If you have leftover, roasted vegetables on hand, use 2 cups in place of the broccoli.
Keep it Cheesy
Trying new things can be fun when you’ve got lots of time on your hands. But, after a long day of school, work or never-ending errands, complicated cooking that’s unfamiliar isn’t usually in the cards. That’s when the tried and true classics are the best way to go! Our quick and simple Cheesy Chicken and Rice made with Minute® Instant White Rice is always a delicious option for those long and hectic days.
Suit Yourself!
This type of recipe isn’t just quick and simple, it’s also easy to modify to suit different palates. If broccoli isn’t your favorite veggie, or you’d like to add some variety, try substituting it with one you prefer, such as cauliflower, spinach, red pepper or asparagus. Not enough cheese for your liking, as is? Add another half cup and make it extra cheesy, or mix in a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. Try this dish different ways to discover which one you, and your family, love the best!
Contents
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake
If you enjoyed this Chicken and Rice dish, you’ll love this 15-minute Chicken and Rice Bake made with Minute® White Rice, veggies and chicken broth. Although this recipe doesn’t specifically call for cheese, it tastes great when sprinkled with your favorite cheese on top or mixed in with the rice.
To make this dish even more comforting, why not try baking it into a casserole?
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you are looking for something nice and filling that you can enjoy all week, then a nice Chicken and Rice casserole is just the thing. Simply load your chicken and Minute® Rice into a casserole dish and cover with cheese!
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole Side Dishes
A Chicken and Rice Casserole with cheese is good on its own, but if you really want to treat yourself why not serve it with a side dish like this Spinach and Salmon Salad, this Cuban Mojito Quinoa Salad or for something a bit fruitier, try this Ambrosia Rice Salad.
Do You Need to Cook Rice Before Putting it in a Casserole?
You may be surprised to learn that: no, you don’t need to cook your rice before putting it in a casserole. If you are cooking with Minute® Instant Rice, you’ll want to add some boiling water to the casserole while it cooks in the oven.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you want to add some greens to your casserole, broccoli makes a great addition. For an easy recipe which you can have ready in 40 minutes, try adding some chicken to this Broccoli Rice Casserole, perfect if you are looking for a quick mid-week meal.
How to Cook Broccoli Before Putting it in a Casserole
The best way to cook broccoli before adding it to your casserole, is to fry it in a skillet along with any other vegetables that you are going to add in.
Rice and Chicken Dish
If you are looking for a rice and chicken dish for just one or two people, check out this great tasting Salsa Verde Chicken and Rice recipe made with Minute® Jalapeno Rice cups and frozen corn. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for burritos, you can check out this Chicken and Rice Burrito recipe.
What Vegetables Can I Serve With Chicken and Rice?
There are plenty of veggies you can serve alongside your chicken and rice. Some great options are corn, green beans, carrots, peas and broccoli. In summary, chicken and rice recipes are a great way to fit more greens into your diet.
Flavored Rice
If you are looking for a way to spice up your chicken and rice recipes, try flavoring your rice by using a cooking liquid like chicken broth. Alternatively, you can also try stirring in some fresh herbs and spices. For even more ideas, check out this guide on easy flavor infusions or how to make Mexican rice seasoning.
