How to Make Freeze Dried Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli

Below is a detailed, home‐crafted recipe and process designed to mimic the flavors and nutritional profile of Peak Refuel’s Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli meal using your Harvest Right freeze dryer. Keep in mind that this recreation is an approximation; commercial formulations use specialized processing and ingredient blends that are hard to exactly duplicate at home. However, by following these guidelines you can produce a homemade freeze‐dried meal that is hearty, protein‐rich, and rehydrates with minimal water. The recipe below makes approximately 2 servings (a total pouch weight of around 6–7 ounces when freeze dried) that you can later rehydrate with about 1⅓ cups (10.5 oz) of boiling water for a warming meal in about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Cheese–Broccoli Sauce

• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup 2% milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon enriched all‐purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon vegetarian beef bouillon powder (or use 1/4 of a bouillon cube, crushed)
• Salt, to taste

For the Chicken & Vegetables

• 6 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into small, bite‐sized cubes)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (blanched; see note below)
• 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably made from enriched long‐grain rice)

Preparation Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the diced chicken breast lightly with salt.
2. In a nonstick skillet, cook the chicken over medium heat until fully cooked and lightly browned. (This step not only cooks the meat for safety but also helps develop flavor.)
3. Set the chicken aside to cool.

2. Blanch the Broccoli

1. Bring a small pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the broccoli florets and blanch them for about 2–3 minutes until they brighten in color and are just tender.
3. Immediately transfer the broccoli to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.
4. Drain well and roughly chop if desired (this ensures even distribution in the sauce).

Note: Blanching helps maintain the broccoli’s vibrant green color and improves its rehydrated texture.

3. Make the Cheesy Broccoli Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream, milk, and sour cream.
2. Whisk in the flour; let it cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Add the diced onion and continue to cook gently until the onion softens (about 2–3 minutes).
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and allow it to melt slowly.
5. Season the sauce with garlic powder, paprika, bouillon powder, and salt.
6. For a sauce that more closely mimics the product’s consistency, you can blend in your blanched broccoli (or add the broccoli later if you prefer discrete pieces). If you choose to blend, allow the sauce to cool slightly then process in a blender until smooth.
7. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

4. Combine the Components

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled, cooked chicken, blanched broccoli (if keeping pieces whole, fold them in gently), and cooked white rice.
2. Pour the cheese–broccoli sauce over the mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
3. (Optional) For a more “integrated” product similar to commercial freeze‐dried meals, you may pulse the entire mixture briefly in a food processor—but be careful not to turn it into a puree; a few small, uniform pieces are desired.

5. Pre-Freezing and Freeze Drying

1. Spread the final mixture as a thin, even layer (no more than about ½–¾ inch thick) on your Harvest Right freeze dryer trays. A thinner layer ensures faster and more uniform drying.
2. Pre-freeze the trays:
   • If your machine has a pre-freeze function, use it (typically around –40°F for several hours).
   • Alternatively, place the trays in a conventional freezer until the mixture is completely frozen.
3. Load the frozen trays into your Harvest Right freeze dryer.
4. Run the standard freeze-drying cycle. Depending on your machine and the moisture content of your dish, the cycle might take anywhere from 20 to 40 hours.
5. Check that the product is fully dried (it should be light, brittle, and crisp with no remaining moisture when broken apart).

6. Packaging and Storage

1. Once the cycle is complete, remove the freeze-dried meal from the trays.
2. Package the meal in an airtight container or Mylar bag along with an oxygen absorber. This will protect the product from moisture and extend its shelf life.
3. Label your pouch with the contents and date.

Rehydration Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade freeze-dried Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli meal:

1. Open your pouch and add 1 ⅓ cups (approximately 10.5 oz) of boiling water.
2. Stir thoroughly, then seal the pouch (or transfer to a bowl if preferred).
3. Let stand for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir again and check the texture. It should rehydrate into a cohesive, warm meal. Adjust with a splash more water if necessary.

Tips and Considerations

• Ingredient Adjustments:
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the liquid slightly or increase the flour by ¼ teaspoon.
  • You may adjust the ratio of broccoli to cheese sauce to suit your taste.
• Freeze Dryer Specifics:
  • Make sure your mixture is spread thinly and evenly on the trays for optimal freeze drying.
  • Monitor the cycle periodically if possible, and ensure that your machine’s door seal is intact for efficient drying.
• Nutritional Note:
  • This recipe is designed to approximate the commercial product’s balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The final nutritional content may vary slightly based on the brands and exact amounts used.
• Experimentation:
  • Since commercial products like Peak Refuel use proprietary formulations, you may wish to adjust spices (such as increasing garlic powder or paprika) after an initial trial run to better suit your palate.

By following these instructions and using your Harvest Right freeze dryer, you can create a shelf-stable, rehydratable meal that channels the spirit of Peak Refuel’s Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli—ideal for backpacking adventures or emergency food storage. Enjoy your culinary experiment and happy freeze drying!

Disclaimer: This recipe is an independent recreation inspired by the commercial product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mountain House, Peak Refuel, are any of you legitamite freeze dried granola crunchers.