Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, delicious, and easy meal that the whole family will love? Then look no further! This Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Chicken Crock Pot recipe is your answer. It's a simple, one-pot wonder that's perfect for busy weeknights and offers a fantastic blend of creamy cheddar cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that's bursting with flavor and requires minimal cleanup – the ultimate win-win!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Soup
- 1 (10 oz) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. This simple step elevates the flavor significantly.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This adds depth to the overall creamy flavor.
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Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the seasoned chicken pieces, Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Soup, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cooked rice, and frozen broccoli. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender.
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Stir in Cheese (Optional): During the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (if using) until melted and creamy.
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Serve & Enjoy: Serve the Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Chicken hot, garnished with extra cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to add other seasonings to suit your taste, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder. A dash of cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick!
- Use leftover rice: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked rice.
- Fresh broccoli works too: If you prefer fresh broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. You may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this recipe, such as carrots, peas, or corn.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve this dish with a side of crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice with Chicken recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and provides a comforting and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy. Give it a try and let us know what you think!