Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet Recipe: A Flavorful and Hearty One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish, the Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is the perfect recipe. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, tender broccoli, and plenty of melted cheddar cheese, this skillet meal comes together quickly and is sure to satisfy your cravings. The crispy Ritz crackers on top add a delightful crunch, making this comfort food even more enjoyable. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is both comforting and nourishing.

For more delicious skillet recipes, check out these 30-minute skillet meals and explore the versatility of chickpeas in cooking with this chickpea recipe roundup.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need and the step-by-step instructions to make this delicious Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet.

Easy Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is a comforting, one-pan dish packed with vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and hearty chickpeas. The buttery, cheesy mixture is topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust that adds a perfect crunch. A wonderful vegetarian option that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make in just one skillet!

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Ingredients

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• 10 oz. broccoli, cut into 1” florets
• 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
• 1 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup water, divided
• 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
• 10 Ritz crackers
• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 (14.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed
• 1/8 tsp. baking soda
• 4 oz. cheddar, shredded (about 1 cup)

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Instructions

1. Blanch the Broccoli:

   • In a medium pot, bring 1 Tbsp. of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for about 2 minutes, until just tender but still bright green. Drain the broccoli and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping:

   • In a food processor or using a plastic bag and rolling pin, crush the Ritz crackers into fine crumbs. Set aside.

3. Make the Sauce:

   • In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened and translucent.
   • Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
   • Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly, and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
   • Add the chickpeas, baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to the sauce, stirring to combine.

4. Add the Broccoli and Cheese:

   • Add the blanched broccoli to the skillet and stir gently to combine.
   • Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.

5. Prepare the Cracker Topping:

   • In a small bowl, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the cheesy chickpea and broccoli mixture in the skillet.

6. Finish and Serve:

   • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low for 2-3 minutes, allowing the crumbs to soften slightly. Then, remove the lid and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
   • Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch from the crackers!

Notes

Chickpea Substitution: You can substitute the chickpeas with another bean of your choice (e.g., white beans or kidney beans).

Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese alternatives to make this dish dairy-free.

Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Vegetarian, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of the total recipe)
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet

Instructions

Prepare the Broccoli

1. Steam the Broccoli: In a medium pot, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cover. Let it steam for about 4-5 minutes, or until tender but still vibrant green. Drain any excess water and set the broccoli aside.

Make the Base Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to meld.
2. Create the Roux: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour into the skillet, stirring constantly to form a roux. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the butter and form a smooth base.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and thicken for about 2-3 minutes.

Combine the Chickpeas and Broccoli

1. Add Chickpeas and Baking Soda: Stir in the chickpeas and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda will help break down the chickpeas and enhance the texture of the sauce. Mix well to combine.
2. Incorporate the Broccoli: Add the steamed broccoli to the skillet, stirring gently to combine. The broccoli should be evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Make the Crunchy Topping

1. Prepare the Ritz Cracker Topping: Crush the Ritz crackers into small crumbs by either smashing them with your hands or pulsing them in a food processor. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, melted. Stir to coat the crumbs in the butter.

Add the Cheese and Topping

1. Melt the Cheddar: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chickpea and broccoli mixture. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
2. Top with Crackers: Evenly distribute the buttery Ritz cracker crumbs over the top of the skillet. Allow the crackers to bake for 3-5 minutes over medium heat, or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve: Once the topping is crispy and golden, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs (if desired) and serve hot.

Advanced Techniques

While the Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is relatively easy to make, here are a few tips to take this dish to the next level:

• Roast the Broccoli: If you prefer a deeper, caramelized flavor, try roasting the broccoli instead of steaming it. Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes before adding them to the skillet.
• Use Sharp Cheddar: For a more intense cheesy flavor, opt for sharp cheddar cheese. It will add a tangy bite to the rich, creamy sauce.
• Add Protein: If you want to make this dish heartier, add some cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage. Simply stir it into the mixture when combining the chickpeas and broccoli.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

This dish is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers. Here’s how you can store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Allow the Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet to cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is quite versatile and can easily be adapted to fit various dietary preferences.

• Dairy-Free: Swap the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based butter or oil to replace the butter. You can also use unsweetened almond milk or other plant-based milks.
• Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz crackers and make sure the all-purpose flour is replaced with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, cheese, and milk alternatives. Ensure that the crackers are also vegan-friendly.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use cauliflower instead of broccoli and replace the Ritz crackers with a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be assembled ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and then baked or heated when you’re ready to serve. Just add the cracker topping before baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli florets work perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the skillet.

What other toppings can I use?
In place of Ritz crackers, you can try using panko breadcrumbs for a lighter topping or even toasted nuts for a crunchy contrast.

Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, turkey, or even crumbled sausage to the skillet for added protein.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

The Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is an easy, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend meals. Whether you’re a fan of cheesy comfort food or looking for a plant-based dinner option, this skillet is guaranteed to impress. With the combination of hearty chickpeas, steamed broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, you can enjoy a complete and flavorful meal in no time. Don’t forget to try this dish with a variety of toppings and protein additions to make it your own!