Chicken Broccoli Rice
A hearty chicken and broccoli rice skillet featuring tender chicken strips, crisp vegetables, and creamy soup, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or comforting family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, in hot margarine, cook chicken, half at a time, until brown. Add broccoli and carrots. Cook until tender-crisp. Stir in soup, milk, and pepper.
- Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Stir in rice.
- Cover and remove from heat.
- Let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier version, consider using olive oil instead of margarine and swapping out the cream of broccoli soup for a homemade version made from fresh broccoli and vegetable broth. You can also add garlic or onion for extra flavor. If you want to enhance the dish, sprinkle some cheese on top before serving or incorporate cooked quinoa instead of rice for a gluten-free option.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Broccoli Rice dish is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded dinner. For a refreshing dessert, try serving it alongside Fresh Strawberry Ice Cream to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the Chicken Broccoli Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture. Ensure it's heated through before serving to enjoy the best flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli Rice contains roughly 1034 calories, with 9g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (289% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 899mg per serving (39% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Simply chop it into small florets and add it to the skillet when cooking the chicken. Fresh broccoli will take slightly longer to cook, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it becomes tender-crisp.
What can I substitute for cream of broccoli soup?
If you don't have cream of broccoli soup on hand, you can make a simple substitute by blending cooked broccoli with cream or milk, a bit of flour, and seasoning to taste. Alternatively, any cream-based soup like cream of chicken or cream of mushroom can work in a pinch.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Chicken Broccoli Rice is great for meal prep. You can prepare a larger batch and divide it into individual portions for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just be sure to store it properly to maintain freshness.
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).