Savory Basil Tomato Chicken Skillet
This Savory Basil Tomato Chicken Skillet is a delicious, one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, vibrant broccoli, and juicy tomatoes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish is simple to prepare and equally enjoyable to share with family and friends. With the fresh aroma of basil and the comforting taste of melted mozzarella cheese, this recipe brings a taste of home to your table while keeping cleanup to a minimum. Enjoy a nutritious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Rice-A-Roni
1 (7 ounce package)
Margarine or Butter
2 (tablespoons)
Water
2 1/2 (cups)
Chunk Chicken
1 (10 ounce can, drained (or use 2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed))
Broccoli Florets
2 (cups, chopped)
Diced Tomatoes
1 (15 ounce can, drained (or use 2 medium fresh tomatoes))
Minced Fresh Basil
1 (tablespoon (or 1 teaspoon dried basil))
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 (cup (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the margarine or butter over medium heat. Add the Chicken Rice-A-Roni and sauté until the rice is golden brown, stirring occasionally.
2
Pour in 2 1/2 cups of water along with the special seasonings from the Rice-A-Roni package. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3
Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4
After 10 minutes, remove the lid and gently stir in the chopped broccoli florets, drained chunk chicken (or cooked cubed chicken), diced tomatoes, and fresh or dried basil.
5
Re-cover the skillet and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the majority of the liquid is absorbed and the broccoli is tender.
6
If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top and cover for another minute until melted. Serve warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Basil Tomato Chicken Skillet?
It is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, flavorful rice, vibrant broccoli, and juicy tomatoes with a fresh aroma of basil and melted mozzarella.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes.
What kind of rice is used?
The recipe calls for a 7-ounce package of Chicken Rice-A-Roni.
Can I use fresh chicken breasts instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute the canned chicken with 2 boneless chicken breasts that have been cooked and cubed.
What fat should I use for sautéing the rice?
You should use 2 tablespoons of margarine or butter.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is a one-pan skillet meal designed to keep cleanup to a minimum.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 2 medium fresh tomatoes instead of a 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What type of cheese is recommended for the topping?
The recipe recommends 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is the cheese optional?
Yes, the shredded mozzarella cheese is an optional ingredient.
How much water is needed?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of water.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
Yes, if using canned diced tomatoes, you should drain them before adding to the skillet.
How much broccoli is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of chopped broccoli florets.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of 1 tablespoon of minced fresh basil.
How long should the rice simmer initially?
The rice should simmer for 10 minutes after it has been brought to a boil.
How long is the second simmering phase?
After adding the vegetables and chicken, simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is described as an enjoyable meal to share with family and friends.
Is this dish considered a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
What size Rice-A-Roni package is needed?
You should use a 7-ounce package.
What color should the rice be after sautéing?
The rice should be sautéed until it is golden brown.
What heat setting is used for simmering?
The heat should be reduced to low for both simmering stages.
Is the broccoli added at the beginning?
No, the broccoli is added after the rice has already simmered for 10 minutes.
How do I melt the mozzarella cheese?
Sprinkle the cheese over the top and cover the skillet for one minute until melted.
Is the seasoning included in the recipe?
Yes, you use the special seasonings included in the Rice-A-Roni package.
How much chicken is required?
You need one 10-ounce can of chunk chicken, drained.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
The primary flavor tags include chicken, tomato, and basil.
Is the broccoli supposed to be tender?
Yes, simmer until the broccoli is tender and the majority of the liquid is absorbed.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for either margarine or butter.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is categorized as a comfort food recipe.
When should I serve the dish?
Serve the dish warm immediately after the cheese has melted.
Is this meal nutritious?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal that includes protein and vegetables.