Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Broccoli and Rice

Welcome to Eatimi! I’m Olivia Hart — a home-cook who believes delicious food doesn’t need complicated techniques. Here I share easy everyday recipes, family meals, quick ideas for busy days and helpful kitchen tips to make cooking simple and fun. My goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen and enjoy homemade food with joy, comfort and love. 💛

There’s something comforting about a cheesy chicken skillet with broccoli and rice. Growing up, we always enjoyed hearty meals that came together quickly, especially after long days. The aroma of garlic and cheese wafting through the kitchen made all the hectic moments fade away.

Now, as an adult, I find joy in recreating those simple yet satisfying dishes. This cheesy chicken skillet brings back those familiar feelings of warmth, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese into one delightful dish.

In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare a dish that warms the soul and fills the belly. Each bite is a reminder of home-cooked goodness, making it perfect for families or anyone looking for a quick meal. Let’s dive into this cheesy chicken skillet recipe that’s bound to become a weeknight favourite!

Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Broccoli and Rice

Fundamentals

Creating a cheesy chicken skillet with broccoli and rice starts with simple yet essential components. First, you’ll need to assemble the right ingredients and tools to bring this recipe to life. A large skillet is crucial for cooking all the components efficiently. The combination of butter and flour serves as your base for a creamy sauce, thickened to perfection.

The chicken brings substance, while broccoli adds colour and nutrients. This recipe cleverly incorporates rice, making it a complete meal in one pan. Ready to dive into these fundamentals? Let’s explore how everything comes together seamlessly.

Preparation/Setup

Preparation is key when crafting this cheesy chicken skillet. Gather all your ingredients first: unsalted butter, all-purpose flour or a gluten-free blend, milk, chicken broth, herbs, spices, cheddar cheese, frozen broccoli, cooked chicken, and rice.

Starting with a clean workspace makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Measure out your ingredients beforehand to ensure you have everything on hand. This way, you keep your cooking environment organised and minimise any last-minute scrambling.

Ingredients

Here are the core ingredients you’ll need for the cheesy chicken skillet:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
• 3 cups milk of choice
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets
• 12 ounces shredded cooked chicken
• 3 cups cooked rice

Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success in the kitchen, leading to a delicious meal.

Directions

Now, let’s get into the cooking process!

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
2. Once melted, sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 30 seconds.
3. Lower the temperature and gradually add the milk, one cup at a time, whisking well between each addition.
4. Incorporate the broth and mix in garlic powder, onion powder, fine salt, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper.
5. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and let the mixture come to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly until it thickens. Then remove from heat.
6. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
7. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the frozen broccoli, cooked chicken, and rice.
8. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and the rice is tender.
9. If desired, top with additional cheese and cover for 2-3 minutes until melted.
10. Uncover and let sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken, garnish, and serve.

Mastering the Cheesy Chicken Skillet

Technique

Perfecting the technique for your cheesy chicken skillet is all about timing and temperature control. Starting with melted butter creates a rich flavour base. Whisking the flour ensures a smooth consistency, preventing lumps in your sauce. Remember to lower the heat when adding milk for creaminess.

It’s a delicate balance, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle boil, helping thicken without burning. Stirring constantly ensures the cheese melts evenly into the sauce, resulting in a velvety texture.

Tips/Tricks

To elevate your cheesy chicken skillet, consider a few handy tips. Experiment with different types of cheese; a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can add depth.

Cooking the broccoli just until it’s tender preserves its vibrant colour and nutrients. For added flavour, try sautéing some onion or garlic in the melted butter before adding the flour. Lastly, feel free to fold in any leftover vegetables lurking in your fridge—this dish is perfect for clearing out your pantry!

Achieving Perfect Results

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect cheesy chicken skillet involves balancing flavours and ensuring the right texture. Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness and enhance the creaminess with whole milk for a luscious sauce.

Make sure your chicken is pre-cooked to ensure everything heats evenly. Letting the dish sit after cooking allows it to thicken and flavours to meld beautifully.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your sauce doesn’t thicken as desired, don’t fret! Simply let it simmer longer while stirring to evaporate excess liquid. If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a blend designed for thickening sauces.

For a vegetarian option, swap chicken for chickpeas or lentils. You can also use quinoa instead of rice for a different twist, adding even more nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serving/Presentation

Presenting your cheesy chicken skillet can be as simple or creative as you’d like. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a beautiful touch to the dish. Serve it directly in the skillet for a rustic look, or plate it with a side salad for a complete meal.

Pairings/Storage

While this cheesy chicken skillet stands beautifully on its own, you can pair it with crusty bread or a light green salad to complement the meal.

For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Conclusion

The comfort that comes from a cheesy chicken skillet with broccoli and rice is unmatched. Each bite captures warmth, nostalgia, and delicious flavours that can brighten any busy day. Transform your meal times with this easy recipe, celebrating home-cooked goodness that everyone will love.

Cheesy Chicken Skillet with Broccoli and Rice

A comforting, quick, and easy cheesy chicken skillet featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese all in one pan, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients  

For the sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter Use to create a rich flavor base.
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend) This thickens the sauce; substitute for gluten-free if needed.
• 3 cups milk of choice Whole milk enhances creaminess.
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth Can use vegetable broth as an alternative.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt Adjust based on your taste.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese Can substitute with a mix of cheeses if desired.

Main ingredients

• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen broccoli florets Provides color and nutrients.
• 12 ounces shredded cooked chicken Pre-cooked chicken for even heating.
• 3 cups cooked rice Brown or white rice can be used.

Method 

Preparation

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
2. Once melted, sprinkle the flour into the skillet and whisk continuously for 30 seconds.
3. Lower the temperature and gradually add the milk, one cup at a time, whisking well between each addition.
4. Incorporate the broth and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, fine salt, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, paprika, and black pepper.

Cooking

1. Turn the heat back up to medium-high and let the mixture come to a boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly until it thickens. Then remove from heat.
2. Stir in the shredded cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
3. Return the skillet to medium-high heat and add the frozen broccoli, cooked chicken, and rice.
4. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes until the broccoli is heated through and the rice is tender.
5. If desired, top with additional cheese and cover for 2-3 minutes until melted.
6. Uncover and let sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken, garnish, and serve.

Notes

For extra flavors, sauté some onion or garlic in the melted butter before adding the flour. Use low-sodium broth for a lighter dish. Letting the dish sit after cooking helps to thicken it up.