Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli: A Comfort Food Classic

I have such fond memories of my grandmother making a casserole very similar to this Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli. It wasn’t fancy – just simple, honest food made with love. I can almost smell the aroma of the creamy sauce simmering on the stove, a beacon of warmth on a chilly evening. This recipe captures that same essence of comfort, transforming everyday ingredients into a satisfying and flavorful meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 cup Uncle Ben Converted Rice
• ½ cup sliced green onion
• 1 ¼ lbs boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into strips
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 ¾ cups milk
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut up into pieces
• 1 ½ cups frozen chopped broccoli, cooked and drained
• ½ cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅔ cup diced ham

Equipment Needed

• Large Fry-Pan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving plates

Instructions

1. Begin by preparing the rice according to the package directions. Once cooked, remove from heat and gently stir in half of the sliced green onion. Cover to keep warm and set aside. The rice will serve as a delicious and comforting base for the chicken and broccoli.

2. In a large fry-pan, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is fully cooked, ensuring that it is no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

3. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside. Be careful to reserve the flavorful drippings in the pan, as they will be used to create the creamy sauce.

4. Add the remaining sliced green onion to the pan with the drippings. If necessary, add a little more cooking oil to prevent sticking. Sauté the green onion until it becomes tender, about 2-3 minutes.

5. Stir in the cornstarch to the pan with the green onion. This will help thicken the sauce.

6. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

7. Cook and stir the mixture over medium heat until it thickens and begins to bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

8. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, cut into pieces, to the pan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is a crucial step for achieving the desired texture.

9. Remove the sauce from the heat. Return the cooked chicken strips to the pan, then add the cooked and drained broccoli, Parmesan cheese, and diced ham.

10. Gently stir all the ingredients together until everything is well combined, heated through, and the Parmesan cheese is melted. This final step ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.

11. To serve, spoon the prepared rice mixture onto individual serving plates. Top the rice with a generous portion of the chicken and broccoli mixture.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for some of the milk.
• If you don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese, you can use the grated kind, but the flavor won’t be quite as robust.
• To prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy, make sure it’s well-drained after cooking. You can even lightly pat it dry with paper towels.
• If your sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
• For added flavor, try browning the chicken before adding the Italian seasoning and garlic.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rice and pre-cut chicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli is best served immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese and a few extra sliced green onions for a pop of color.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. This dish isn’t recommended for freezing as the texture of the broccoli and sauce may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	458.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	35%
Total Fat	17.9 g	27%
Saturated Fat	9.2 g	45%
Cholesterol	106.8 mg	35%
Sodium	548.6 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	35.5 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	8%
Sugars	0.9 g	3%
Protein	37.5 g	74%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free rice and ensure your ham and cream cheese are gluten-free. You can also use a gluten-free thickening agent instead of cornstarch.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and ham. Add more broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan cream cheese. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. Use nutritional yeast in place of parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
• Different Cheese: Instead of Parmesan, try using cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyere cheese.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to cook it until tender-crisp before adding it to the sauce.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the chicken and broccoli mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it gently and serve over freshly cooked rice.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, brown rice is a healthy and delicious alternative. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.

Q: Is it necessary to drain the broccoli so thoroughly?
A: Yes, draining the broccoli well is important to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would all be great additions to this dish.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s a reminder of simple pleasures, shared meals, and the comfort of home-cooked food. I encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own. Experiment with different variations, add your favorite vegetables, and don’t be afraid to get creative. And most importantly, share it with the people you love. Enjoy!