Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Skillet
Try this Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Skillet recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Rice Skillet recipe, or contribute your own.
- Carbohydrate 21.0336 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.209066666666667 g
- Fiber 0.298666671117147 g
- Protein 2.00853333333333 g
- Saturated Fat 0.0574933333333333 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (264g)
- Sodium 0.746666666666667 mg
- Sugar 20.7349333288829 g
- Trans Fat 0.02912 g
- Calories 97 calories
Step-by-step
- Add chicken broth and rice to a 2-1/2 - 3 quart saucepan then turn heat to high and bring to a simmer. Turn heat down to low then place a lid on top and simmer for 6 minutes (rice should barely be simmering so make sure heat is not too high.)
- Add broccoli (no need to stir) then place the lid back on top, turn heat up to keep broth at a gentle simmer, and then cook for an additional 9-10 more minutes or until the rice and broccoli are cooked through. Turn off heat then sprinkle in cheese and stir until completely melted. Stir in ham until warmed through, then serve.
Limited equipment often forces cooks to rely on single-vessel techniques that demand precise sequencing to prevent scorching. Long-grain white rice requires precise liquid ratios and gentle heat management to achieve a tender grain without dissolving into starch, which is why bringing chicken broth to a rapid boil before lowering the temperature to a bare simmer prevents the bottom from burning while the interior absorbs moisture. Introducing chopped broccoli florets halfway through the cooking process without stirring preserves a pocket of steam at the surface, ensuring the green vegetables retain their vibrant color and crisp-tender bite rather than turning drab and mushy from overexposure to boiling liquid.
Pairing this rich, dairy-heavy skillet requires bright, acidic elements to cut through the heavy sharp cheddar cheese and salty cured meat. A simple vinegar-dressed bitter green salad featuring endive or radicchio provides the necessary contrast to balance each bite. Alternatively, roasted radishes tossed in lemon juice offer a peppery, low-carbohydrate side dish that mimics the texture of potatoes without competing with the starch of the rice. Because the dish relies heavily on umami and dairy fat, avoiding heavy cream-based starters keeps the meal well-paced and prevents palate fatigue.
Executing this method efficiently means grating the sharp cheddar cheese while the broth comes to a boil, utilizing those precious six minutes of waiting time to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the hot grains later without seizing. Leftovers store safely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, though reheating requires a splash of water or extra broth to restore the creamy emulsion of the melted cheese sauce.
