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When it comes to weeknight dinners, finding a recipe that balances convenience, flavor, and nutrition can often feel like a daunting task. However, the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Delight checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that the entire family will love. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce, making it a delightful option for busy individuals and families alike. In this article, we will delve into the recipe's background, explore the health benefits of its primary ingredients, and guide you through the essential preparation steps.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet

Discover the perfect weeknight dinner with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Delight. This one-pan meal combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that your whole family will adore. Enjoy the benefits of lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and wholesome carbohydrates, all while keeping cleanup to a minimum. With easy preparation steps, this dish guarantees a satisfying and nourishing meal for busy evenings.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup uncooked white rice (preferably long grain)

2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or herbes de Provence)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing

Instructions
 

Prep Ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing the broccoli and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Cube the chicken breasts into roughly one-inch pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking. Set both the broccoli and chicken aside.

    Cook Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

      Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it softens and turns translucent. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly golden.

        Add Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet with the softened onion and garlic, mixing well to coat the rice in the oil. Toast the rice in the skillet for approximately 2 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent burning.

          Combine Ingredients: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, making sure to scrape the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil, reduce the heat to low, and then carefully stir in the broccoli florets along with the reserved chicken.

            Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

              Make it Creamy: Once the rice has cooked, reduce the heat further and stir in the heavy cream along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until fully integrated and the dish is creamy.

                Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover the skillet once more and let it sit on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.

                  Garnish & Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                      Presentation Tip: Serve the creamy chicken and broccoli rice skillet directly from the pan for a rustic feel, or transfer to a large serving dish. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal. Enjoy!