Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Bowls

6-8 servings, good for meal prepping

Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Bowls

Ingredients

Meal Prep Bowls Ingredients
  • 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 heads broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 batch cheddar cheese sauce (see below)
  • 3 cups cooked rice
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
  • 1 Tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • .5 cup chicken or vegetable stock
  • .5 cup warmed milk
  • .25 tsp pepper
  • .125 tsp salt
  • 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Chicken

  1. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat.  Cook chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is no longer pink on the inside (and registers 165°F with a meat thermometer).
  3. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Broccoli

  1. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in the same sauté pan.
  2. Add the broccoli and season with salt and pepper, tossing to combine.  Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the broccoli is cooked and tender, but still slightly crispy.
  3. Transfer broccoli to a separate plate, and set aside.

Cheddar Cheese Sauce

  1. Heat the butter in the same sauté pan (or a separate saucepan) until melted.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
  3. Whisk in the flour until evenly combined and sauté for 1 more minute, stirring occasionally.
  4. Gradually add in the stock, whisking to combine.  Then add in the milk, pepper and salt, and whisk together until smooth.
  5. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches a simmer and thickens.
  6. Then stir in the shredded cheese, and stir until melted.
  7. Remove from heat and use immediately.

Bowl Assembly

  1. Toss the cooked chicken and broccoli with the cheese sauce until evenly combined.
  2. Serve immediately over rice.

Notes

original source: Gimme Some Oven