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Quick Kids Dinner - Fast, Tasty, and Family-Friendly

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bite-size pieces (or use rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and mild flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking white rice (or 1 1/2 cups cooked rice)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water with a bouillon cube)
  • 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (peas, carrots, and corn)
  • 1/2 cup small broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened oat/almond)
  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar or mozzarella
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives (optional)
  • Lemon wedge for a tiny squeeze at the end (optional, brightens the flavor)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat dry and cut into small, even pieces so they cook quickly. Sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until no longer pink. If using cooked rotisserie chicken, warm it for 2 minutes and move to step 3.
  3. Add rice and broth: Stir in uncooked rice and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
  4. Simmer: Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 10 minutes (check package directions if using quick-cooking rice).
  5. Add veggies: Stir in frozen mixed veggies and broccoli. Cover and cook 4–5 more minutes, until rice is tender and veggies are soft.
  6. Make it creamy: Stir in milk and cream cheese or Greek yogurt if using. Let it warm through for 1–2 minutes.
  7. Cheese time: Turn off heat. Sprinkle in shredded cheese and gently fold until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add a tiny squeeze of lemon if you like.
  8. Serve: Top with chopped parsley or chives for color. Let it sit 3 minutes to thicken, then scoop into bowls.