Chicken Helper
Make dinnertime effortlessly delicious with this comforting Chicken Helper recipe—a one-pot meal that's perfect for busy weeknights! Featuring tender, bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned to perfection, creamy cheddar and cream cheese, and hearty pasta shells, this recipe brings together unbeatable flavor and ease. Cooked in a rich base of chicken broth and milk, this dish achieves an irresistibly velvety texture, with the option to include colorful mixed vegetables for added nutrition. Ready in just 35 minutes, it's a kid-friendly meal loaded with cheesy goodness and topped with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness. Perfect for feeding the whole family, this Chicken Helper is a no-fuss dinner solution that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups pasta shells or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Add the pasta to the boiling liquid and stir to combine. Cover the pan with a lid and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and cooked chicken. If using, add the frozen mixed vegetables at this stage.
Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1076 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.0 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 21.8 g | 109% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 194 mg | 65% | |
| Sodium | 1493 mg | 65% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 100.8 g | 37% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.0 g | ||
| Protein | 71.6 g | 143% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.8 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 581 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 960 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
