Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! If you’re searching for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, look no further than this Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole. This one-pan wonder brings together succulent chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese for a comforting dish that can be whipped up in just a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy evenings, it’s packed with protein and veggies, making it not only satisfying but also nutritious. With minimal cleanup required, you can focus on what really matters – enjoying a delightful meal together. So grab your skillet, and let’s dive into this cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup prepared rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and sauté for roughly 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and just tender. Take the broccoli out of the skillet and set aside.
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- In the same skillet, mix together the shredded chicken, prepared rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined and heated through, about 5 minutes.
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- Incorporate the sautéed broccoli into the skillet mixture. Mix in 3/4 cup of the grated cheddar cheese until it is melted and evenly distributed.
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- Evenly distribute the chicken and broccoli mixture across the skillet. If desired, top the casserole with breadcrumbs. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top.
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- Put a lid or foil over the skillet and allow it to cook on low heat for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors blend and the cheese melt.
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- For a beautifully golden top, take off the cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
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- Remove from heat, let it cool for a few moments, then serve warm and savor!
- Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (or rotisserie chicken for quick prep)
- Broccoli: 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- Cheese: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked instant rice (or quinoa for a healthier option)
- Chicken Broth: 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) for creaminess
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (or fresh minced garlic for added flavor)
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for cooking the chicken
- Optional Toppings: Additional cheese for melting on top, breadcrumbs for crunch, or fresh herbs for garnish
Baking Process
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and thoroughly.
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Prepare the Ingredients: While the oven is heating, gather all your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need diced chicken, fresh broccoli florets, cheese, cooked rice or quinoa, and your preferred seasonings.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken and season it with salt and pepper (and any other preferred seasonings). Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
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Add Broccoli: Stir in the fresh broccoli florets into the skillet with the chicken. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.
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Combine Ingredients: Reduce the heat to low, then add in your cooked rice or quinoa. Mix everything well, ensuring that the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed.
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Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the mixture in the skillet. Gently stir to combine, allowing the cheese to melt slightly from the heat of the skillet.
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Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spoon the chicken and broccoli mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it evenly for uniform baking.
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Top with Cheese (Optional): If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding a little more cheese on top for that delicious bubbly finish.
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Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden.
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Let it Cool: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set slightly and makes serving easier.
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Serve and Enjoy: Scoop out a hearty portion of your cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole onto plates, garnish with fresh herbs if desired (like parsley or chives), and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious one-skillet meal!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a Side Salad: Pair your Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole with a light side salad. A mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette will add refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole.
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Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Complement the dish with warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks. Their crispy texture and buttery flavor will be a delightful addition and perfect for scooping up the casserole.
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Steamed Vegetables: For an extra serving of veggies, consider steaming some green beans, carrots, or asparagus. This adds color to your plate and rounds out your meal with nutrition.
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Rice or Quinoa: If you want to bulk up the meal even more, serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa. This adds another layer of texture and helps soak up any extra cheesy goodness.
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Herbed Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a tangy twist, dollop some herbed yogurt or sour cream on top of the casserole before serving. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives can elevate the dish even further.
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Family-Style Serving: For a casual dinner, serve the casserole straight out of the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. This creates a warm, inviting atmosphere around the table.
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Wine Pairing: Consider a light white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to sip alongside your casserole. It will beautifully complement the flavors of the dish.
No matter how you choose to serve it, your Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole is sure to be a hit at the dinner table! Enjoy!
Conclusion
In just a matter of minutes, you can whip up this delicious Minute Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Skillet Casserole, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting meal without the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese comes together beautifully in one skillet, reducing cleanup time and maximizing flavor.
Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Whether served as a hearty main course or a side dish, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. So next time you’re in a pinch for time but still want to enjoy a homemade meal, turn to this cheesy skillet casserole for a satisfying and nutritious option that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
