Cheesy Chicken And Rice Dinner
A creamy, cheesy chicken and rice skillet dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty family dinner with comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, 1/2 cup water, and broccoli florets; stir and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the uncooked rice and Velveeta cheese until melted and well combined.
- Top with the cooked chicken breasts, cover, and cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Gently stir the mixture to combine and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a different cheese like mozzarella or gouda. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be substituted for the raw chicken breasts. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for extra nutrition and flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Cheesy Broccoli Noodle Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cheesy chicken and rice dish as a hearty main course. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. A side of garlic bread can also complement the flavors nicely. This dish makes for an excellent weeknight dinner, perfect for busy families.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until heated through to ensure even warming.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheesy Chicken And Rice Dinner contains roughly 436 calories, with 15g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (31% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 988mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 1.5 times the amount of liquid and takes longer to cook, so consider pre-cooking it partially before adding it to the dish.
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If you don't have broccoli, you can easily substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed based on the vegetable you choose to maintain their texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture ahead of time. Simply store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook. When ready to serve, just heat it on the stove or microwave, then add the cooked chicken before serving to warm through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).