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Creamy Parmesan chicken and broccoli rice

Creamy Parmesan chicken and broccoli rice
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One-pan meal combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy Parmesan rice. Quick comfort food ready in 30 minutes with naturally gluten-free ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add diced chicken breast and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F internal temperature. Remove to plate.
  3. Add minced garlic to same skillet. Sauté 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  4. Add broccoli florets to skillet. Stir into garlic oil and cook 3-4 minutes until tender but still bright green with slight crunch.
  5. Pour heavy cream into skillet, stirring gently to combine. Bring to gentle simmer over medium heat without rapid boiling.
  6. Add cooked rice and cooked chicken to skillet. Stir everything together until evenly distributed and coated in cream sauce.
  7. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over mixture. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely into cream, creating smooth sauce that clings to rice and chicken. Takes 2-3 minutes.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Parmesan is salty so add gradually. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and richest flavor. Day-old rice works better as it’s drier and absorbs sauce more effectively.
  • Fresh broccoli works best but can swap spinach, green beans, or cauliflower. Don’t overcook broccoli or it loses vibrant color.
  • For lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream though sauce will be thinner. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal broccoli texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.benefitiany.com/creamy-parmesan-chicken-and-broccoli-rice/