Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice

There are many chicken and rice dishes that you could make with a can of condensed soup and then bake but here is a very easy stove-top version (minus the soup and sodium!). It's a simple rice dish made with chicken, cheese and broccoli. The perfect meal for young children who like milder flavors and need small bite size pieces.

This recipe can be easily adapted to be a side dish by omitting the chicken. Please note that the measurements for this dish are estimates. You can guesstimate the amounts and this will come out just fine...I love goof-proof cooking:)

My picky-eater starts to dig in.

Stopping to pose for the picture. Every time she sees my camera she starts shouting "CHEEEEEESE"---LOL
Enough with the spoon...this quickly becomes a finger food.
Happy tummy :)

Ingredients
Serves 2 hungry little kids and one tired mommy

1 large chicken breast, cut into small pieces
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 cup rice (long grain or jasmine)
3/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
3/4 cup fresh broccoli
salt and pepper

Cook rice according to package instructions.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a non-stick pan heat the olive oil over med-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.

Cook broccoli in separate pan with water or in microwave till tender crisp. Drain the broccoli and put in a food processor. Chop broccoli to desired size.

When rice is completely cooked, remove from heat. Add cheese and stir till combined and cheese begins to melt. Stir in the broccoli and chicken.

Let cool a bit and serve your hungry crew.