Parmesan Chicken And Broccoli
Creamy Parmesan chicken with broccoli pairs tender meat and nutritious greens in a cheesy, flavorful sauce, perfect for a comforting family dinner or weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup parboiled long grain rice
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 1/4 cups milk ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package frozen cut broccoli ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup diced cooked ham ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) package cream cheese
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions; stir in half the sliced green onions.
- Rinse the chicken, pat dry, and cook in a skillet with garlic and Italian seasoning in hot oil over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside; reserve the drippings.
- In the same skillet, add milk, cream cheese, and cornstarch; cook and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Add frozen broccoli to the skillet and cook until heated through.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, cooked ham, sliced almonds, and remaining green onions.
- Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over the rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian dressing for 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. Using fresh broccoli instead of frozen can enhance the texture, but make sure to blanch it briefly before adding it to the skillet. This dish pairs nicely with a side of Spinach Salad With Oranges And Peanuts for a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken and broccoli mixture over the rice, garnished with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and broccoli mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Chicken And Broccoli contains roughly 505 calories, with 19g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value), protein (38% of the Daily Value), and calcium (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 parboiled long grain rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking duration according to the rice package instructions to ensure it cooks properly and absorbs the flavors of the dish.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor profile, or try a dairy-free cheese alternative if you are looking for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose, ensuring they are tender but still crisp.
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).