Chicken And Broccoli With Rice
A hearty and comforting dish combining tender chicken, broccoli, and flavorful cheese sauce served over fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it offers a savory blend of mustard, cream of chicken, and melted cheese, appealing to families and those craving a satisfying, quick meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of dry Minute rice.
- Cover and remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes or until water is absorbed.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
- Cook 1 pound of boneless chicken strips until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1/2 can of milk, and 2 tablespoons of mustard.
- Pour the mixture over the cooked chicken and stir to combine.
- Add 1/2 cup of shredded Cheddar or Swiss cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cooked broccoli cuts and 2 tablespoons of chopped pimiento.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over the cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mix of the mustard and some herbs before cooking. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute with a homemade white sauce or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. Adding garlic or onion powder to the rice can enhance its taste as well.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You might also serve it alongside warm rolls or bread to soak up any extra sauce. For a delightful twist, consider serving it with a side of Herb-Baked Fish And Rice for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli With Rice contains roughly 1533 calories, with 36g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 120g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (72% of the Daily Value), iron (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1227mg per serving (53% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio, as brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Follow the package instructions for best results.
What can I substitute for broccoli in this recipe?
If you don't have broccoli, you can use other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or even mixed frozen vegetables. Just ensure they are cooked until tender before adding them to the chicken mixture.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat the mixture and combine it with freshly cooked rice for a quick and easy meal.
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).