Since getting married and moving in with Alfred three months ago (three months ago! Geeeez!), I have played the role of dinner-maker – except when it’s grilled or BBQed meat (yes, there is a difference; I’ve learned so much). After living at home for the past year and having dinner made for me most of the time, I now find myself in a place where I’m constantly searching for new recipes to try out. We have a few constraints – mainly our budget. While we don’t want to skimp on good eats, I always like to find the best deals in the grocery store and we try not to eat filet mignon every night (he wishes). It’s been fun trying to find new recipes that work with what’s on sale and our tastes.
Tonight’s recipe is adapted from Kevin & Amanda – a cheesy chicken-bacon-broccoli skillet meal with rice! All of our faves combined into one dish (though Alf prefers chicken thighs/wings/drumsticks over breasts. He manages not to complain too much when I place his plate in front of him after spending hours slaving over a hot stove). I used only 4 slices of bacon when I made it (8 in the original) and I added some mushrooms as ours were about to go bad. I’d estimate that this meal cost around $10 and it made enough for seconds AND leftovers for lunches for maybe two days – a huge recipe! Big hits for me were the Buy One, Get One (BOGO) family packs of chicken breasts and the BOGO bacon! Thank goodness for the freezer.
Ingredients:
4 slices bacon, diced
12 oz boneless, skinless chicken breasts (two)
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup diced onion
12 oz (about 4 cups) broccoli florets, roughly chopped into small, bite-sized pieces
2-4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (10-oz) cans Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chiles (in Canada, use Diced Tomatoes and a can of green chiles for spice)
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup extra sharp shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, each
1. Add the diced bacon to a very large skillet or dutch oven and turn heat to medium high. Cook the bacon until crisp, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. When the bacon is crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove to a plate. If needed to grease the bottom of the pan, add butter and olive oil to the skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for five minutes, flipping once halfway through. Remove the chicken to the plate with the bacon.
2. Add the rice, water, and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 14 minutes. When done, remove from heat.
3. Meanwhile, add the onion and broccoli to the skillet where you cooked the bacon and chicken. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until broccoli is tender and onions are brown and caramelized, about 10 minutes. Add in minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly until just fragrant, about 30 seconds. Top with tomatoes, rice, chicken and bacon and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low to keep warm.
4. Melt the butter in a small saucepan and whisk in the flour until just combined. Add in the chicken broth and stir well. Increase heat to high and cook until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and add in cheese and salt and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted, then pour in the skillet with the chicken and rice. Stir to combine and serve.
Makes 4-6 servings.
From Cee to Gee 