Smoked Queso Chicken & Broccoli

Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 30 mins

Difficulty: Beginner

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

Tender, pre-smoked poultry is folded into textured noodles and florets, all smothered in a rich and velvety cheese sauce. This dish highlights the deep, fire-kissed flavor of the protein, which provides a savory contrast to the smooth, comforting queso. It is a hearty and convenient meal that brings a sophisticated, wood-fired depth to a classic family favorite.

Ingredients

12 oz radiatorI pasta
3-4 smoked skinless chicken thighs. 1/2-inch strips sliced
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, cut to 1/2 pieces
16-20 oz homemade white queso, warmed
1/2 cup pasta cooking water, reserved
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup Cotija cheese,grated
fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped to garnish
Smoked Paprika to garnish

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the pasta and set your timer for 3 minutes less than the package directions.
2
When the timer hits the 3-minute mark, add the frozen broccoli directly into the boiling water with the pasta
3
While the pasta finishes boiling, place your 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Lay in your sliced smoked chicken.
4
Drop the skillet heat to low. pour your warmed white queso over the chicken. stir in a splash of the hot pasta water immediately. This ensures your dip remains a silky sauce rather than a thick clump.
5
Drain the pasta and broccoli and add them to the skillet. use a wooden spoon or spatula to fold the pasta into the sauce. The pasta "fins" will instantly scoop up the queso and chicken juices.
6
Remove from the heat and place in serving dish. Top with the halved cherry tomatoes, a "snowfall" of grated Cotija, and the chopped cilantro.
7
Finish with a light dusting of smoked paprika across the top

Read it online: https://brinnerbites.com/recipe/smoked-chicken-broccoli-radiatori-queso/