Cheesy Italian Chicken and Rice Delight
Transform your weeknight dinners with this Cheesy Italian Chicken and Rice Delight! This hearty skillet meal features tender pieces of boneless chicken, vibrant fresh tomatoes, and nutrient-rich broccoli, all brought together with zesty Italian dressing. The addition of creamy cheddar cheese elevates the dish to a new level of comfort food perfection. It’s a versatile recipe that can accommodate any vegetables you have on hand, making it a quick and easy choice anytime you're in need of a delicious family meal. Say goodbye to dinner dilemmas, and let this one-pan wonder make your evenings a delight!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing
1/2 cup (None)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (Cut into pieces)
White rice (uncooked or instant brown rice)
2 cups (None)
Chicken broth
1 1/4 cups (None)
Broccoli florets
2 cups (Small)
Chopped tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (Chopped)
Shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 cup (Shredded)
Salt
to taste (None)
Pepper
to taste (None)
Garlic powder
to taste (None)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Italian Chicken and Rice Delight?
It is a hearty skillet meal featuring tender boneless chicken, fresh tomatoes, broccoli, and rice, flavored with Italian dressing and melted cheddar cheese.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this recipe is designed as a one-pan wonder or skillet meal, making it ideal for quick cleanup.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, which should be cut into pieces before cooking.
What kind of rice should I use?
You can use either uncooked white rice or instant brown rice for this dish.
Which dressing is recommended for flavor?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing to provide the primary seasoning.
Can I use different vegetables besides broccoli?
Yes, this is a versatile recipe that can accommodate any vegetables you have on hand.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded mild cheddar cheese to be added at the end.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as a quick and easy choice for a delicious family meal that children and adults alike will enjoy.
Do I need to precook the rice?
No, the rice is added uncooked to the skillet and simmered with chicken broth and dressing.
What liquid is used to cook the rice?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice and provide extra savory flavor.
Can I use frozen broccoli florets?
Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli florets for fresh ones; just ensure they are cut into small pieces.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes.
Are there additional spices I should add?
While the dressing provides most of the flavor, you can add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients used in this Cheesy Italian Chicken and Rice Delight.
Can I make this dish spicy?
You can easily add heat by using a spicy Italian dressing or adding red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
Is this a good recipe for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to transform your weeknight dinners by being a quick and easy skillet meal.
Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts.
What is the preparation for the broccoli?
The broccoli should be cut into small florets before being added to the dish.
Can I use low-sodium chicken broth?
Yes, using low-sodium broth is a great way to control the overall salt content of the dish.
How is the cheese added to the dish?
The shredded cheddar cheese is usually sprinkled over the top at the end of cooking until it is melted and creamy.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Key tags include 'one dish meal', 'easy dinner', 'chicken recipe', 'skillet meal', and 'comfort food'.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar is recommended, you could also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or an Italian cheese blend.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, but you will need a very large skillet or a Dutch oven to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.
Does the recipe require a lot of prep work?
Prep work is minimal, primarily involving cutting the chicken, chopping tomatoes, and cutting the broccoli florets.
What if I don't have KRAFT Zesty Italian Dressing?
You can use any brand of Italian dressing or a homemade version as a substitute.
Can I use standard brown rice instead of instant brown rice?
Standard brown rice takes much longer to cook and requires more liquid, so instant brown rice is recommended for this quick version.
Is this dish high in protein?
With 4 chicken breasts and cheddar cheese, this dish provides a significant amount of protein per serving.
Can I add fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh basil or parsley added at the end would complement the Italian flavor profile perfectly.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is this a budget-friendly meal?
Yes, it uses common pantry staples like rice, dressing, and broth, along with affordable produce and chicken.