Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is a comforting and satisfying one-pan meal. Packed with tender broccoli, creamy cheddar sauce, and hearty chickpeas, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium heatproof bowl, season broccoli with 1/4 tsp. salt. Pour 1 Tbsp. water over broccoli, then cover and microwave for 1 minute. Stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second increments until broccoli is bright green and fork-tender, about 30 seconds to 1 minute more. Uncover and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Crush crackers into the skillet (a mix of larger and smaller crumbs is fine) and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown and toasty smelling, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer cracker crumbs to a small bowl and wipe out the skillet.
- Step 3: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp. butter. Add onion and season with 1/2 tsp. salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is tender and sweet, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Stir in flour and cook, stirring with a spatula, until a bubbling paste forms on the skillet bottom, about 1 minute.
- Step 4: Switch to a whisk and slowly whisk in milk and remaining 1/2 cup water until incorporated. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add chickpeas and baking soda; cook, stirring, until heated through, about 1 minute. Fold in the broccoli.
- Step 5: Reduce heat to low and fold in cheddar until melted and smooth. Taste and season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt if needed.
- Step 6: Top the skillet with the toasted buttery crackers and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute gluten-free crackers and use gluten-free flour.
- Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a little heat and extra flavor.
- Replace cheddar with Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a different taste.
- If you don’t have a microwave, steam the broccoli on the stove until fork-tender.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, but fresh chickpeas will need to be cooked until tender before adding to the recipe. Using canned chickpeas saves time and works perfectly here.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and makes a filling lunch or dinner. Just store the toppings separately to keep them crunchy until serving.
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Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Cheddar Chickpea Skillet is a comforting, protein-packed dish featuring tender broccoli florets, creamy cheddar cheese sauce, and savory chickpeas topped with crunchy buttery cracker crumbs. Quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner that combines vegetables, dairy, and legumes in one flavorful skillet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 10 oz. broccoli, cut into 1” florets
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Seasonings
- 1 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- 1/8 tsp. baking soda
Dairy
- 5 Tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz. cheddar, shredded (about 1 cup)
Pantry Staples
- 10 Ritz crackers
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 2 (14.5-oz.) cans chickpeas, drained, rinsed
- 1 Tbsp. plus 1/2 cup water, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Broccoli: In a medium heatproof bowl, season broccoli with 1/4 tsp. kosher salt. Pour 1 Tbsp. water over broccoli, cover, and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving in 30-second increments for 30 seconds to 1 minute more until broccoli is bright green and fork-tender. Uncover and set aside.
- Toast Crackers: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Crush the Ritz crackers into the skillet, leaving a mix of larger and smaller crumbs. Stir constantly and cook until golden brown and toasty smelling, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a small bowl and wipe out the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics and Make Roux: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 4 Tbsp. butter. Add the finely chopped onion and season with 1/2 tsp. kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender and sweet, about 7 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until a bubbling paste forms on the bottom of the skillet, about 1 minute.
- Create Cheese Sauce and Add Chickpeas: Switch to a whisk and slowly incorporate the milk along with the remaining 1/2 cup water until fully combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, and cook until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the drained chickpeas and baking soda, cooking for about 1 minute until heated through. Gently fold in the steamed broccoli.
- Incorporate Cheddar Cheese: Reduce heat to low and fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with the remaining 1/2 tsp. kosher salt if needed.
- Serve: Top the skillet with the buttery toasted cracker crumbs and serve immediately for a warm, cheesy, and crunchy dish.
Notes
- Microwaving broccoli retains more nutrients and yields a bright green, tender texture.
- Using baking soda with chickpeas helps soften them and creates a creamy texture when heated.
- Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch topping, you can substitute with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if preferred.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free crackers.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based margarine, milk with unsweetened plant milk, and use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy broccoli chickpea skillet, broccoli cheddar chickpeas, easy vegetarian skillet, one-pan broccoli cheese dish, chickpea cheese skillet
