Chicken And Broccoli And Rice
A hearty baked chicken and rice dish with broccoli and cheesy flavors, perfect for family dinners and comfort food enthusiasts seeking a complete, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in an 11 x 13-inch pan.
- Add rice evenly over the chicken.
- In a separate bowl, mix broccoli and cheese sauce, milk, water, and butter until well blended.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken and rice.
- Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker preparation, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute brown rice for white rice; just increase the cooking time slightly. Adding some garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the flavor of the dish. Consider mixing in some cooked vegetables like peas or corn for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken and Broccoli and Rice dish with a side salad or steamed green vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Linda'S Chicken Noodle Soup for a comforting dinner option. For a bit of crunch, consider serving with toasted bread or crackers on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Adding a splash of milk can help restore moisture when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli And Rice contains roughly 1157 calories, with 10g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), iron (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 625mg per serving (27% 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 frozen broccoli instead of canned?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli. Just steam it first until tender and then mix it with the cheese sauce before pouring it over the chicken and rice. This will give you a fresher taste and more texture in the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to serve. This is perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
What can I use instead of milk if I have a dairy allergy?
If you have a dairy allergy, you can substitute the milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Both options will work well with the cheese sauce and keep the dish creamy without using dairy.
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).