This dish is an easy and tasty way to enjoy chicken and broccoli. It features juicy chicken breasts, tender broccoli, and flavorful Knorr rice that brings everything together!
The best part? It all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze! I love how the rice soaks up all the yummy juices from the chicken—it’s always a hit at my dinner table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe but you can use chicken thighs for more flavor. They are juicier and less likely to dry out while cooking!
Knorr Rice Side Dish: I recommend chicken or garlic butter flavors, as they pair nicely with the chicken and broccoli. If you don’t have Knorr, any rice you like (like basmati or jasmine) can work; just season and cook it separately.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is great for crunch, but frozen broccoli works well too. Just adjust the cooking time if using frozen. You could also substitute with other veggies like cauliflower or green beans for variety.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using shredded cheddar for its creamy, melty goodness. You can substitute with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
The key to perfectly cooked chicken is monitoring its temperature. Overcooking can lead to dryness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain moisture.
- Cut a small slit in the thickest part of the chicken to check if the juices run clear; if not, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
Best Chicken Breast and Broccoli with Knorr Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Knorr rice side dish (any flavor you like, chicken or garlic butter recommended)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup water (for cooking rice, per Knorr package instructions)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook in the oven, totaling around 40 minutes from start to finish. A quick and easy meal that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that it’s hot enough to bake your dish evenly.
2. Prepare the Rice:
Cook the Knorr rice side dish according to the package instructions, typically using 1 cup of water. You can add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the water for extra flavor. Stir occasionally and let it simmer.
3. Season the Chicken:
While the rice is cooking, season your chicken breasts. Sprinkle garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast, making sure they are well-coated for flavor.
4. Assemble the Dish:
Once the rice is cooked, grab an oven-safe baking dish. Spread the rice evenly at the bottom of the dish. Then, scatter the broccoli florets over the rice, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
5. Add Chicken and Cheese:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the broccoli. Finally, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over both the chicken and broccoli, adding that creamy goodness to your dish.
6. Bake:
Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), the broccoli is tender, and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
7. Let It Rest:
After pulling it out of the oven, let the dish rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy and allows flavors to meld.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Plate your delicious chicken breast, broccoli, and cheesy rice, and dig in while it’s warm. You’ve just made a fantastic one-pan meal!
Enjoy your juicy chicken breast, tender broccoli, and flavorful cheesy Knorr rice—all in one simple, delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great substitute. Just scatter it over the rice without needing to thaw it first. It may take a couple of extra minutes to cook, so check for doneness to ensure it’s tender.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are plenty of tasty vegan cheese options that melt well!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can season the chicken and prep the rice and broccoli ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble and bake as instructed.
What Should I Serve This Dish With?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you’d like to serve something on the side, a simple green salad or some garlic bread would complement it nicely!
