Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup half and half
- Zest and juice of one lemon
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup matchstick-cut carrots
- 1 cup uncooked Instant white rice
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/4 tablespoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until it turns a deep golden color.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in half and half, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of the Colby Jack cheese. Season with half the salt and pepper.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add broccoli florets, carrots, and uncooked instant rice. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and stir gently to combine.
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and the remaining salt and pepper. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and rub seasoning mixture over both sides.
- Lay the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture in the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover, sprinkle with remaining Colby Jack cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Return to oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving warm.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Substitute Instant brown rice for a whole grain option, adjusting liquid and cook time as needed.
- Fresh lemon zest and juice add brightness—don’t skip!
- This dish reheats well and makes great leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
