Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

A quick sheet-pan meal of roasted broccoli, smoked chicken sausage, and rice finished with melted sharp cheddar.

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 4 servings

5 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped bite-size pieces
1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
12 ounces smoked chicken sausage about 1 package, sliced into coins
2 packages Ready Rice or cooked white rice two 8.5-ounce packets (or 2 cups cooked rice)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp chicken bouillon powder
3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (use extra-sharp if preferred)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 425°F and prepare a 15×21-inch sheet pan or two smaller sheet pans.
Cut the broccoli into bite-size florets, thinly slice the onion, and slice the smoked chicken sausage into coins.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, salt, and pepper; stir and remove 2 teaspoons of the mixture to reserve.
Place the broccoli, sliced onion, and sausage on the sheet pan. Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning mixture (not the reserved 2 teaspoons). Toss with your hands to coat and spread in a single layer, avoiding overlap so the vegetables roast.
Roast in the preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, until broccoli is tender and edges are lightly browned.
While the pan roasts, break up the Ready Rice packets by kneading them without opening; if using cooked rice, have 2 cups ready. Do not microwave the unopened packets.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven, add the rice and the reserved 2 teaspoons of seasoning on top, then toss everything together with a large spatula and spread into one even layer.
Return the pan to the oven for 2 minutes to heat the rice, then remove and toss once more to combine.
Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the mixture and return to the oven for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired, garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve.

Any smoked sausage works, but smoked chicken sausage is preferred.
Aidell’s Italian Style with Mozzarella is a suggested option.
Turkey sausage is an acceptable alternative.
Ready Rice packets can be used without opening or substitute 2 cups cooked rice.
Reserve 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix to add with the rice.