This Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie is a unique twist on a traditional pot pie. Combining the comforting flavors of chicken, broccoli, and cheese veggie tots, this dish offers a balanced meal that's both nourishing and satisfying. Best of all, it's all made in one skillet for easy clean-up.
Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but the Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese Veggie Tots might not be in your freezer. These veggie tots offer a flavorful and veggie-packed alternative to traditional tater tots. They can be found in the frozen vegetable aisle at most supermarkets.
Ingredients for Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Unsalted butter: Used to sauté the vegetables and add a rich flavor to the dish.
Onion: Adds a depth of flavor.
Celery: Provides a nice crunch and freshness.
Carrots: Adds color, sweetness and are a great source of vitamins.
Fresh parsley: Gives the dish a fresh and herby flavor.
Garlic clove: Enhances the flavor of the pie.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the chicken.
Chicken breast: The main source of protein in this dish.
Broccoli florets: Adds a healthy touch and vibrant color.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Ground black pepper: Adds a bit of spice and flavor.
Dried thyme: Gives the dish an earthy and slightly floral flavor.
Green giant broccoli and cheese veggie tots: The star ingredient that makes this dish special.
One reader, Jacquenetta Vieira says:
This skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and crispy tots is simply irresistible. It's a wholesome and delicious dish that's perfect for a cozy family dinner. The flavors blend perfectly, and it's so easy to make. Highly recommended!
Key Techniques for Perfecting Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
How to preheat oven to 425 degrees F: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature before starting the cooking process.
How to melt butter in a skillet: Place the skillet over medium heat and add the butter, stirring occasionally until completely melted.
How to cook vegetables until onions are translucent: Saute the onion, celery, carrots, and parsley in the melted butter until the onions become translucent, indicating they are cooked through.
How to add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for one minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
How to sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir to combine, creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
How to pour in the broth and stir, mixing for 1 minute: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, and continue mixing for one minute to incorporate the flour and create a smooth sauce.
How to bring the mixture to a boil for about 2 to 3 minutes: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
How to cook the chicken and broccoli until tender-crisp: Add the chicken, broccoli, salt, pepper, and thyme to the skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
How to top with green giant veggie tots: Arrange the green giant veggie tots evenly on top of the chicken and broccoli mixture in the skillet.
How to place in the preheated oven for 16 minutes: Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 16 minutes, or until the veggie tots are crisp and hot.
How to serve the skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie: Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the delicious pie straight from the skillet.
How To Make Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Packed with flavors, this skillet chicken is made with broccoli and cheese tots. A delicious and filling pie meal you would definitely make again!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspunsalted butter
- ½cuponion,chopped
- ½cupcelery,chopped
- ½cupcarrots,chopped
- ¼cupfresh parsley,chopped
- 1garlic clove,minced
- 2tbspflour
- 1¾cupslow-sodium chicken broth
- 2½cupschicken breast,shredded, cooked
- 1½cupsbroccoli florets,chopped
- ¾tspkosher salt
- ⅛tspground black pepper
- ½tspdried thyme
- 16ozgreen giant broccoli and cheese veggie tots,frozen
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Heat a large oven-safe or cast-iron skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion, celery, carrots, and parsley cooking until onions are translucent.
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Add minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir. Pour in the broth and stir mixing for 1 minute.
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Add the chicken, broccoli, ¾ teaspoon of salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook in medium heat and bring to a boil for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender-crisp
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Top with Green Giant Veggie Tots and place in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, until veggie tots are crisp and hot.
Nutrition
- Calories: 825.09kcal
- Fat: 55.60g
- Saturated Fat: 27.83g
- Trans Fat: 1.60g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 16.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.78g
- Carbohydrates: 18.99g
- Fiber: 4.23g
- Sugar: 4.18g
- Protein: 63.86g
- Cholesterol: 213.70mg
- Sodium: 1272.34mg
- Calcium: 876.80mg
- Potassium: 1073.79mg
- Iron: 3.08mg
- Vitamin A: 577.67µg
- Vitamin C: 134.02mg
Expert Technique Tip for Mastering Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
When cooking the broccoli for this recipe, it's important to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn't overcook. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy and lose its vibrant green color. The goal is to achieve a tender-crisp texture, which means the broccoli is cooked but still retains a bit of crunch. This not only enhances the texture of the dish but also helps to preserve the nutrients in the broccoli.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all your ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
One-pan wonders: Opt for recipes that can be made in a single skillet or pot to minimize cleanup.
Batch cooking: Make extra portions and freeze them for quick and convenient meals on busy days.
Efficient multitasking: While one component is cooking, use that time to prep the next step to save time in the kitchen.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen tidy and organized to work more efficiently and find ingredients easily.
Quick cooking methods: Utilize techniques like stir-frying, steaming, and pressure cooking for faster meal preparation.
Time-saving tools: Use kitchen gadgets like food processors, mandolines, and slow cookers to expedite the cooking process.
Plan your meals: Create a weekly meal plan and grocery list to streamline your cooking and shopping routine.
Pre-cut and pre-washed: Purchase pre-cut and pre-washed vegetables and fruits to cut down on prep time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe to avoid mistakes and save time on improvisation.
Substitute Ingredients For Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie Recipe
Unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish while reducing the saturated fat content.
Onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel can provide a similar crunch and a hint of licorice flavor to the dish.
Carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes can add a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the dish.
Fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh cilantro: Cilantro can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish.
Garlic clove - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative and can evenly distribute the garlic flavor throughout the dish.
Flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent and is a suitable gluten-free alternative to flour.
Low-sodium chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and is a suitable option for vegetarian or vegan diets.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a lean alternative with a similar texture and flavor profile.
Broccoli florets - Substitute with cauliflower florets: Cauliflower can provide a similar texture and absorb flavors well, making it a versatile substitute for broccoli.
Kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a similar level of salinity and can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can provide a milder and slightly different flavor profile compared to black pepper.
Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano can provide a similar earthy and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Green Giant Broccoli and Cheese Veggie Tots - Substitute with cauliflower tots: Cauliflower tots can be used as a low-carb alternative with a similar texture and can complement the other ingredients in the dish.
Elevate Your Presentation of Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Elevate the veggie tots: Arrange the veggie tots in a circular pattern on top of the skillet, creating a visually appealing and appetizing presentation. The golden brown and crispy tots will add texture and contrast to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the pie to add a pop of vibrant green color. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a hint of freshness to the dish.
Incorporate color contrast: Consider serving the skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie on a white or light-colored plate to allow the vibrant colors of the vegetables and tots to stand out. This will create a visually striking presentation.
Utilize elegant serving ware: Present the pie in a stylish and elegant serving dish that complements the rustic and comforting nature of the dish. This will elevate the overall dining experience for the judges.
Add a drizzle of sauce: Create a decorative drizzle using a reduction of the chicken broth to add a touch of sophistication to the presentation. This will showcase attention to detail and elevate the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting food by surrounding it with dry heat.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a wide, flat bottom and low sides, typically used for frying, searing, and browning foods.
- Cast-iron skillet: A type of skillet made of cast iron, known for its excellent heat retention and even cooking.
- Cutting board: A durable board used to protect countertops when cutting or chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile, all-purpose kitchen knife used for slicing, dicing, and chopping various ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Utensils used to measure precise amounts of ingredients for cooking and baking.
- Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil with a long handle and a rounded head, commonly used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Oven-safe skillet: A skillet that can be safely used in the oven, typically made of materials such as cast iron or stainless steel.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting a variety of dishes.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients, typically with a handle and wire loops.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pot with a long handle and a lid, used for boiling, simmering, and making sauces.
- Kitchen timer: A device used to measure and track cooking or baking time intervals.
- Aluminum foil: A thin, pliable sheet of aluminum used for covering and wrapping food during cooking and storage.
- Meat thermometer: A tool used to measure the internal temperature of meat and poultry to ensure they are safely cooked.
- Pastry brush: A kitchen tool with bristles used for spreading butter, oil, or glazes onto food items.
- Spatula: A flat, flexible kitchen tool used for lifting, flipping, and spreading ingredients during cooking.
- Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting hot or delicate food items.
- Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used for shredding or grating ingredients like cheese and vegetables.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Allow the skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the veggie tots soggy.
For short-term storage, cover the skillet tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, remove the cover and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
To freeze the pie, follow these steps:
- Remove the cooled pie from the skillet and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.
- Place the wrapped pie in a freezer-safe container or a large freezer bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to enjoy the frozen skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat the thawed pie, remove the plastic wrap and place the pie back into the skillet or a baking dish. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the veggie tots are crispy.
If reheating the pie directly from the freezer, increase the covered baking time to 45-50 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the veggie tots are crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the veggie tots are crispy. This method ensures that the pie is evenly heated and the tater tots maintain their crunch.
If you prefer a quicker reheating method, you can use the microwave. Place a portion of the leftover pie on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until it's heated through. However, keep in mind that the veggie tots may lose some of their crispiness in the microwave.
For a crispy top, you can also reheat the pie in a skillet on the stovetop. Place a portion of the leftover pie in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the bottom is crispy. If desired, you can flip the pie over to crisp up the top as well.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat the leftover pie and maintain the crispiness of the veggie tots. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place a portion of the pie in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the pie is heated through and the tots are crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safe to consume. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Interesting Trivia About Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
The recipe uses chicken and broccoli to create a delicious and nutritious dish.
Budget-Friendly Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
The cost-effectiveness of this skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie recipe is quite high. The use of affordable and readily available ingredients like chicken breast, broccoli, and veggie tots makes it budget-friendly. The recipe yields a hearty and satisfying meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $15-20. The combination of protein, vegetables, and a creative twist with the veggie tots makes it a wholesome and cost-effective option. Overall Verdict: 8/10
Is This Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Dish Healthy?
This skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie recipe has some healthy elements, but there's room for improvement. On the positive side, it includes:
- Vegetables like onion, celery, carrots, and broccoli, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- Lean protein from the chicken breast, important for muscle growth and repair
- Low-sodium chicken broth, which helps reduce the overall sodium content
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- Butter and flour, which add saturated fat and refined carbohydrates
- Processed veggie tots, which may contain added salt, oil, and preservatives
- Lack of whole grains or complex carbohydrates
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the butter with a healthier cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil
- Use whole wheat flour instead of refined flour to increase the fiber content
- Opt for homemade veggie tots using fresh vegetables and minimal added ingredients, or replace them with a whole grain topping like quinoa or brown rice
- Increase the proportion of vegetables to chicken for a more balanced meal
- Add additional herbs and spices for flavor instead of relying on salt
- Serve with a side salad or extra steamed vegetables to boost the overall nutrient content
By making these adjustments, you can transform this comforting skillet pie into a more nutritious and well-rounded meal that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, small changes can make a big difference in the long run when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Editor's Take: Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
The skillet chicken and broccoli veggie tot pie recipe is a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and crispy veggie tots. The savory flavors of the chicken and vegetables are enhanced by the comforting crunch of the tots, creating a satisfying and wholesome dish. The use of fresh ingredients and the simple yet effective cooking method make this recipe a winner for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and the addition of the veggie tots adds a fun twist to a classic comfort food.
Enhance Your Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Ideal Appetizer and Dessert Combinations for Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie
Why trust this Skillet Chicken and Broccoli Veggie Tot Pie Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of chicken, broccoli, and veggie tots, creating a flavorful and wholesome dish. The use of unsalted butter and low-sodium chicken broth ensures a balanced and healthier option. The inclusion of fresh parsley and garlic adds aromatic depth, while the green giant broccoli and cheese veggie tots provide a convenient and tasty twist. With a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, this recipe promises a satisfying meal that's both comforting and nutritious.
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