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