Quick And Easy Broccoli Chicken
A quick, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and mozzarella over seasoned rice, perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying for the whole family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute rice vermicelli mix with margarine in a large skillet on medium heat until golden brown.
- Add 2 cups water, the rice seasoning, and basil.
- Bring to a boil on high heat.
- Place chicken on top of the rice.
- Cover and reduce heat to low.
- Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in broccoli and chopped tomato.
- Cover and simmer for another 10 minutes or until rice is tender and chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and let stand for 3 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in lemon juice and garlic before cooking. If you don’t have dried basil, oregano or Italian seasoning can work as substitutes. For a low-carb version, replace the Rice-a-Roni with cauliflower rice. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet while browning the rice vermicelli mix for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a fresh garden salad or pairs beautifully with Mint Glazed Carrots for a colorful meal. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread for a heartier dinner. For a complete meal, consider a light dessert such as fruit salad or yogurt parfait.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick And Easy Broccoli Chicken contains roughly 1235 calories, with 8g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 122g fat. It is a good source of protein (16% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 499mg per serving (22% 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, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it to the skillet during the last 5 minutes of simmering to ensure it heats through without becoming mushy. Frozen veggies are convenient and will blend well with the dish.
What can I substitute for mozzarella cheese?
If you don’t have mozzarella, you can use shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor. Both options melt well and will complement the dish nicely, giving it a unique twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider sprinkling red pepper flakes or adding diced jalapeños along with the broccoli and tomato. For a more complex flavor, a dash of hot sauce before serving can also elevate the dish.
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).