One of my favorite go-to meals is the kind that involves minimal fuss in the kitchen while delivering maximum flavor on the dinner table. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice. Imagine tender chicken cubes mingling with vibrant broccoli florets and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a delicious melted cheese blanket. Each bite offers a delightful balance of savory chicken, fresh greens, and creamy cheese that warms the heart and soul.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

I first stumbled upon this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe during a busy week when cravings were high but time was short. It has since become a staple in my household, not just for its incredible taste but also because it’s a budget-friendly meal that the whole family will enjoy. Filled with rich and satisfying flavors, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. I can’t wait for you to pull this delightful recipe into your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite is a savory blend of chicken, cheese, and fresh broccoli.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Wonderful for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adapted to be gluten-free or lower in dairy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided: This adds richness to the dish and helps sauté the onions and rice. You can replace it with vegetable oil if preferred.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Onion adds depth and sweetness. A white onion works too if that’s what you have on hand.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken provides protein and heartiness. Feel free to use thighs for a juicier option.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates flavors with its aromatic zest. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the dish’s flavors. Adjust based on personal preference.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: This gives a hint of warmth; feel free to adjust to taste.
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: Long grain rice maintains fluffiness and texture. Brown rice can be used, though cooking time will vary.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Broccoli adds color and crunch, while also providing nutrients. Frozen broccoli can be used as a quick alternative.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This brings a comforting richness. Homemade broth works wonders if you have it on hand, or you can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: This is the star of the show, bringing creaminess and flavor. Feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack for variety.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-5 minutes or until it begins to soften and become translucent.

Season Chicken: While the onions are cooking, sprinkle the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. This simple seasoning is crucial for delicious chicken.

Brown Chicken: Once the onions are softened, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Sauté the chicken until it’s browned on the outside, approximately 5-6 minutes.

Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing it to become fragrant without burning.

Push to Side: Gently push the chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the other side of the pan.

Sauté Rice: Pour the uncooked extra long grain white rice into the oil and stir it for about 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly golden and aromatic, which enhances its flavor.

Add Broth: Carefully pour the 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth into the pan, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer Covered: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth.

Prepare Broccoli: While the rice and chicken are simmering, wash and cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. This adds a fresh crunch to the dish.

Incorporate Broccoli: After the 12 minutes are up, uncover the pan and stir in the broccoli. Cover again and continue cooking on low for another 8 minutes, or until both the broccoli and rice are tender.

Melt Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, covering it with the lid for an additional 2-3 minutes to melt.

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers, let the One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container; it will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Be advised that the texture might differ slightly, but a splash of chicken broth can revive it nicely.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To prevent overcooking, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
Consider using fresh vegetables for enhanced flavor and texture rather than frozen ones.
Make sure to let the dish rest a few minutes after cooking — this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
If you’re not a fan of cheddar, experiment with mozzarella or gouda for a different twist.

With its comforting flavors and minimal cleanup, the One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice has earned a cherished spot in my recipe rotation. This satisfying dish not only brings you a taste of home but a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting the whole family to gather at the table. I encourage you to play with the recipe elements—add your favorite cheese or experiment with different vegetables to make it your own. Enjoy this delicious meal, knowing you’ve created something hearty and wholesome, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can definitely use brown rice! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, around 40-45 minutes. Make sure to increase the broth accordingly, perhaps to about 3 cups, since brown rice absorbs more liquid.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is perfect for meal prepping. Just store it in individual airtight containers in the fridge or freezer, and it can easily be reheated for quick lunches or dinners.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth on hand, vegetable broth is a fantastic substitute, or you can use water with a bit of seasoning to mimic the flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply leave out the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. You can also enhance the flavors with some nutritional yeast sprinkled on top before serving.

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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: One Pot
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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Description

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a simple yet delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese, this meal comes together with minimal fuss, making it an ideal choice for a quick and wholesome family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil divided
1/2 medium yellow onion diced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Sauté onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Once the onions have softened, increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan.
Brown the chicken pieces, then add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Push the chicken to one side of the pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil to the other side.
Sauté the uncooked rice in olive oil until it turns golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
Cook the chicken and rice mixture, covered, for about 12 minutes.
While cooking, remove florets from the broccoli and cut into bite-sized pieces.
Stir in the broccoli and continue cooking, covered, for another 8 minutes, or until the broccoli and rice are tender.
Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheddar cheese.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the chicken.
Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender-crisp.
This dish can be served with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.