Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 38 min
Total time: 53 min
Yield: 5
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small onion, diced; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast; 1/4 cup orzo, optional; 1 (6.3 ounce) box garlic and herb rice mix; 1 3/4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup milk; 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 teaspoon oregano; 1/2 teaspoon garlic granules; 12 ounces broccoli florets; 1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Cook Time: 38 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 5 servings:

1 tablespoon butter
1 small onion, diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
1/4 cup orzo (optional)
1 (6.3 ounce) box garlic and herb rice mix
1 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
12 ounces broccoli florets
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
While the onion is cooking, cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Once the onion is ready, add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown.
Add the orzo and rice (with the seasoning packet) to the skillet. Stir to combine.
In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth, milk, cream of chicken soup, oregano, and granulated garlic. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir well to combine all ingredients.
Add the broccoli florets and stir them into the mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the rice and orzo are tender with a slight bite and the liquid has been absorbed.
Preheat the broiler on your oven. Set a rack 6 inches below the heating element.
Sprinkle the grated Cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture in the skillet. Place the skillet under the broiler and broil for about 3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and melted.
Serve the dish immediately, garnished with any additional toppings you prefer.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 512
Total Fat: 27g (35% DV)
Saturated Fat: 14g (69% DV)
Cholesterol: 142mg (47% DV)
Sodium: 1241mg (54% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 21g (8% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (10% DV)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 45g (89% DV)
Vitamin C: 45mg (50% DV)
Calcium: 416mg (32% DV)
Iron: 2mg (13% DV)
Potassium: 589mg (13% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

History and Origin of Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

The Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet, as a distinct dish, emerged in the United States during the mid-20th century when one-pan meals became popular for home cooking. Inspired by traditional casseroles, this recipe combines simple ingredientschicken, broccoli, rice, and cheeseinto a single skillet, making it convenient for busy households. Its roots lie in American comfort food culture, emphasizing warmth, nourishment, and ease of preparation.

Regional Variations

While the dish is widely recognized across the U.S., regional adaptations exist. In the Midwest, cooks often add a variety of cheeses such as Colby or Monterey Jack, enhancing the creamy texture. Southern versions may incorporate a touch of cream or buttermilk, while West Coast variations favor fresh herbs and lighter cheeses to complement the local emphasis on fresh produce. In some regions, orzo is substituted with other small pasta varieties, or brown rice replaces white rice for a healthier twist.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Though reminiscent of chicken casseroles and baked rice dishes, the Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet stands out due to its one-pan stovetop preparation. Unlike a traditional casserole that is fully baked in the oven, this recipe starts on the stovetop and finishes under the broiler, resulting in tender vegetables, perfectly cooked rice, and a lightly browned cheese topping. Its combination of orzo, rice, and a creamy sauce differentiates it from standard chicken-and-rice casseroles.

Typical Serving Occasions

This dish is commonly served as a family dinner, especially on weeknights when convenience is key. It also appears at potlucks, casual gatherings, and school or work lunch preps due to its ease of scaling. Restaurants may feature it as a comforting entre in American diners or cafs, often accompanied by a side salad or warm bread.

Interesting Facts

The skillet method preserves more nutrients in the broccoli compared to full baking, keeping it vibrant and flavorful.
Adding orzo alongside rice adds a unique texture contrast and helps absorb the creamy sauce more evenly.
Cheese is broiled at the end rather than baked with the dish to create a golden, slightly crisp topping without overcooking the chicken.
This recipe is highly adaptable: substituting cauliflower rice, different cheeses, or adding spices like paprika or thyme can easily create new flavor profiles.
Although simple, it balances protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a complete meal in one pan.

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FAQ about Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. However, it may take a bit longer to cook and may release more water, so make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the broccoli is tender.

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. After cooking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, defrost in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a different cream soup, such as cream of mushroom, or even a homemade white sauce if you prefer a lighter option. If using a homemade sauce, you might need to adjust the consistency slightly.

You can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a mix of cheeses for different flavors. However, keep in mind that Cheddar adds a sharpness that may be missing with milder cheeses.

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might also need to add a bit more liquid to the skillet.

If the rice is not tender after the suggested cooking time, simply cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure it doesn't burn. If necessary, add a little more liquid (chicken broth or water) to help soften the rice.

Yes, you can make this recipe without orzo. The orzo is optional and can be omitted if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking liquid if you're using only rice or another grain.

If you don't have garlic and herb rice mix, you can use a plain rice mix or even make your own seasoning blend with garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs like thyme or basil, and a bit of salt. Adjust the seasonings to taste.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Comments

George Diaz

08/17/2023 01:31:09 AM

The dish turned out to be quite impressive. I seasoned the chicken with Himalayan salt and pepper before sautéing it, which added just the right amount of flavor. I can't help but think how bland it would have been without this extra seasoning. I opted for fresh broccoli and cooked it on medium-low heat. The broccoli, along with the rice and orzo, were all cooked to perfection.

Helen Campbell

09/28/2024 09:42:20 AM

I'm not a huge rice enthusiast myself, but my kids absolutely adore chicken and rice casserole. I didn't have orzo or herb-flavored rice on hand, so I substituted with brown rice and threw in half a packet of garlic herb seasoning normally used for potatoes that I found in my pantry. I decided to get a little creative and added some ricotta and cottage cheese "just because." To my surprise, my kids polished off the entire 9x13 pan! Their enthusiasm is a testament to how much they enjoyed it, especially considering their picky eating habits. I will definitely be making this dish again, maybe even as soon as today!

Nathan Carter

04/01/2023 07:42:30 AM

This product exceeded my expectations - it was simply fantastic!

Christine Gonzalez

09/03/2024 10:49:30 PM

I made a few swaps in this recipe - used riced cauliflower instead of orzo and rice, and skipped the soup since I didn't have any. I'm a fan of cheesy broccoli, so I went with a triple cheddar shred. The result? Absolutely delicious!

Jennifer Clark

01/31/2024 07:40:24 PM

Our experience was average. I couldn't locate the garlic herb rice mix in two grocery stores, so I chose a chicken garlic blend instead. I was puzzled by the recipe's lack of instruction on whether the broccoli should be cooked or frozen before being added to the skillet. I added it frozen, and after 25 minutes, it was still not tender, making me question if it was meant to be cooked beforehand. The rice also lacked the desired tenderness and had a slight crunch to it. It's possible that the entire dish simply needed more cooking time.

Cook Time: 15 minutes