Everyday Broccoli Cheese Chicken
A comforting and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with broccoli and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines savory flavors with nutritious vegetables, making it a family-friendly meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in margarine until browned on both sides, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli cheese soup, water, and pepper.
- Heat until boiling.
- Add the broccoli and reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until the chicken and broccoli are fork-tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in your favorite spices or using a mix of chicken broth and water instead of just water. If you don't have margarine, butter or olive oil can be good substitutes. You can also swap out the broccoli for any favorite vegetables like cauliflower or green beans. This dish is versatile and can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed carrots pairs beautifully with Everyday Broccoli Cheese Chicken, adding a crisp contrast to the rich flavors. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or a warm grain salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Everyday Broccoli Cheese Chicken contains roughly 601 calories, with 11g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), calcium (41% of the Daily Value), and iron (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 638mg per serving (28% 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 fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent excess moisture from affecting the dish's consistency.
What can I use instead of broccoli cheese soup?
If you don't have broccoli cheese soup on hand, you can substitute it with a homemade cheese sauce or a cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile. You can also mix cream and shredded cheese with seasonings to create a quick cheese sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
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).