This straightforward, one-pot dinner is creamy, tacky, and will get your greens in, too! Every thing cooks collectively in only one pot, which suggests no further dishes! Plus, there’s no “cream of” soups in right here. The sauce is completely selfmade and makes use of actual substances. You get heat and comfortable consolation meals with out the cans!
For extra one-pot recipes, strive our Baked Hen and Rice Casserole or our Lemon Hen and Orzo.
Why Our Recipe
- Creamy sauce with completely no “cream of” something.
- Every thing cooks collectively in only one pot. Excellent for these hectic weeknights!
- Creamy, tacky, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s consolation meals in a bowl.
This one-pot surprise is the final word consolation. It’s that nostalgic creamy, hen and rice dinner, however with added greens and a layer of melted cheddar cheese. It’s a full meal in a single, and also you gained’t have 1,000,000 dishes to handle later. Whether or not it’s the center of winter and also you need one thing that tastes cozy, otherwise you’re sick of drive-thrus and frozen pizza, this recipe is a selfmade possibility that’s simply as straightforward and tastes approach higher!
Ingredient Notes
- Hen Breast: Boneless skinless hen breasts work finest for this recipe, or you should utilize boneless skinless hen thighs for juicier hen. Both approach, minimize into bite-sized cubes.
- Broccoli: Be sure you minimize up massive florets into bite-size items. If utilizing frozen broccoli florets, they’ll find yourself mushier.
- Hen Broth: Use a lower-sodium possibility to higher management the flavour.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is our go-to for the strongest taste.
- Olive Oil and Butter: This combo provides depth to the flavour and helps brown the hen properly.
- White Onion: Use white or yellow onion.
- Garlic: For those who love garlic, be happy so as to add an additional clove or two. Freshly minced offers you the very best taste, however jarred works too.
- All-Function Flour: Used to thicken the sauce. Be sure to prepare dinner it with the rice to do away with the uncooked flour style.
- Milk: Complete milk works finest, however you’ll be able to substitute with 2% or perhaps a non-dairy possibility like almond milk if wanted.
- Dried Thyme and Oregano: Be at liberty to regulate the quantities to your style, or swap in Italian seasoning should you want.
Maintaining the Hen Juicy
Nobody needs dry hen, particularly in a creamy dish like this. Right here’s how to ensure yours stays tender and juicy. First, ensure that your hen is evenly minimize in order that the items are roughly the identical dimension.
Brown, Don’t Absolutely Cook dinner: In step one, you’re simply giving the hen a fast sear for taste. It can end cooking gently within the sauce because the rice simmers.
Use Thighs for Additional Insurance coverage: For those who’re frightened about overcooking, boneless skinless hen thighs keep juicier than breasts and might deal with the additional simmer time with out drying out.
Taste Variations
This recipe is scrumptious as written, however just a few small additions can take it in a complete new route and change issues up. Since this recipe is a part of our Low-cost Eats Meal Plan, it’s particularly helpful so you’ll be able to benefit from the dish month after month with out it ever getting previous!
A Little Warmth: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed purple pepper flakes with the seasonings.
A Little Smoke: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika with the opposite spices.
A Little Lemon: Squeeze within the juice of half a lemon simply earlier than serving to loosen up the richness.
A Little (extra) Garlic: For those who’re a garlic lover, double it up!
A Little Cheesier: Swap up your cheese possibility and take a look at Monterey Jack for a creamier soften, or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
Make it a Freezer Meal
Enable the dish to chill utterly. As soon as cooled, into particular person freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic freezer baggage. Be sure to go away a little bit room on the high of every container, because the meals will develop barely when frozen. Label every container with the date and contents, then retailer them within the freezer for as much as 3 months
Once you’re able to take pleasure in, thaw a person portion within the fridge in a single day. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, including a splash of hen broth or milk if the combination appears too thick. Warmth in 30-second increments, stirring in between, till warmed by means of.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, stirring in between for even heating.
