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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 cup Arborio rice - 2 cups chicken broth The chicken forms the base of your dish. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. Diced into bite-sized pieces, they cook quickly and soak up flavors. Arborio rice gives a creamy texture, perfect for Alfredo. It absorbs liquid well, making it a great choice. Chicken broth adds a rich taste to the rice, enhancing every bite. - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil Heavy cream is key for that luscious sauce. It brings a smooth richness to the dish. Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor, making everything better. A tablespoon of olive oil helps to sauté the chicken and garlic, adding depth to the dish. - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garlic fills your kitchen with an amazing scent. It enhances the savory flavor of the chicken. Broccoli florets add color and nutrition. Italian seasoning brings classic flavor notes that tie everything together. Salt and pepper balance your dish. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. For the full recipe, check the details above! 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use just enough oil to cover the bottom. 2. Add the diced chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 3. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it often until it turns golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. 4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for 1 minute. The garlic should smell nice and fragrant. 5. Next, add the Arborio rice to the skillet. Stir it well to coat it with the oil and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice gets a light toast. 1. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. 2. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes. It should become tender and soak up most of the liquid. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. 3. After the rice is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is well combined. 1. Add the broccoli florets and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cover it and cook for another 5 minutes. The broccoli should become tender. 2. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as you like. 3. Remove the skillet from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving. For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and steps above. Enjoy your meal! To ensure chicken is perfectly cooked, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps it cook fast and evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. You want it to reach 165°F. This way, you avoid dry chicken and keep it juicy. For a creamy texture in your Alfredo sauce, use heavy cream and fresh Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese in slowly to help it melt smoothly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps it rich without being clumpy. The ideal accompaniments for this dish include a simple green salad or garlic bread. Both add freshness and balance to the rich flavors. For a rustic presentation, serve the meal right in the skillet. Top it with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for a beautiful look. You can switch proteins or grains if you want variety. Try shrimp or turkey instead of chicken. For grains, quinoa or farro work well too. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These changes still keep your dish delicious and satisfying. {{image_2}} You can change the vegetables in this dish. Try bell peppers, peas, or spinach. Each adds a unique taste and color. You can also change the type of cheese. Use mozzarella for a milder flavor or cheddar for a sharper bite. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. These spices bring a nice kick. You can also mix in different herbs like basil or thyme. They enhance the dish’s aroma and taste. For a low-carb option, swap the Arborio rice for cauliflower rice. It makes the dish lighter. If you need a gluten-free meal, make sure to use gluten-free chicken broth. This keeps the meal safe for those with gluten issues. After you enjoy your Chicken and Rice Skillet Alfredo, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe to eat. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the food soggy. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the dish. First, let it cool down completely. Then, divide it into portions and place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out excess air to avoid freezer burn. This dish will last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. For reheating, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back its creamy texture. Stir often to ensure even heating. Enjoy your tasty meal even after weeks! For the full recipe, check the section above. You can serve this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. - Side salad: A fresh green salad adds crunch and color. - Steamed veggies: Try carrots or green beans for balance. For drinks, pair it with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with lemon. Yes, you can prep it in advance! Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken: You can cook it a day before and store it in the fridge. - Prep the rice: Measure your rice and broth ahead of time. - Mix ingredients: Combine the cream and cheese for easy mixing later. When you’re ready to eat, just heat it all up in a skillet. You can make this dish dairy-free with a few swaps: - Cream: Use coconut cream or cashew cream for a rich texture. - Cheese: Nutritional yeast or vegan cheese can add flavor. - Chicken broth: Ensure your broth is free from dairy. These changes keep the dish creamy and delicious without dairy. For the Full Recipe, follow the steps to create this tasty meal. In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious Chicken and Rice Skillet Alfredo. We looked at the main ingredients you need, like chicken, Arborio rice, and broth. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking the dish. You learned helpful tips for cooking and serving, plus fun variations to try. Remember to store leftovers correctly to keep them fresh. Enjoy making this creamy meal, and don’t hesitate to experiment with new flavors or ingredients. It's a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table!

Chicken and Rice Skillet Alfredo

Indulge in this creamy chicken and rice skillet Alfredo that combines tender chicken, Arborio rice, and fresh broccoli for a comforting meal in just 40 minutes. With rich flavors from garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a splash of heavy cream, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
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Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 cup Arborio rice

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup broccoli florets

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

      Add the Arborio rice, stirring to coat it with the oil and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice is slightly toasted.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low, cooking for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, stirring occasionally.

          Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until well combined.

            Add the broccoli florets and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

              Remove from heat and let the skillet sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve directly in the skillet for a rustic presentation, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan on top.