One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a classic weeknight dinner that brings all the comfort in a single dish. This scrumptious meal features tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all bathing in a creamy, cheesy goodness that’s hard to resist. Imagine the mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen as you coax these ingredients into a delicious harmony; it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home.
Table of Contents
What’s even better is how simple this recipe is to prepare! With minimal cleanup required—since it’s all made in one pan—this cozy meal is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like serving up a steaming plate of One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice that everyone will love, and it’s ready in just about 40 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy goodness mixed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli makes each bite fantastic.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors and melting cheese create a dish that looks as great as it tastes.
- Flexible Serving: Ideal for dinner or meal prep; great as leftovers for lunch!
- Budget-Friendly: Whole meal packed into one pot without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil: This healthy fat adds depth and a lovely nuttiness to the dish. Feel free to substitute with canola or vegetable oil if preferred.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: The sweetness of the onion complements the savory chicken beautifully. You can also use shallots for a milder flavor.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken breast is a lean protein that cooks quickly. Thighs could be a great substitute for extra juiciness!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses a robust flavor that enhances the entire dish. Fresh garlic is highly recommended, but powder would work in a pinch.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Standard seasoning for bringing out all the other flavors. You can adjust the quantity according to your sodium preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle heat. Freshly ground is best for flavor, but pre-ground will do as well.
- 1 cup uncooked extra-long grain white rice: This type of rice will cook up fluffy and separate. Brown rice can also work, but it’ll need more liquid and time.
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Full of vitamins, the broccoli adds color and crunch to the dish. Frozen broccoli can be used as a time-saver, just adjust the cooking time.
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth allows for better control over flavor. Homemade broth is fantastic if you have it on hand!
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the dish! It melts beautifully and gives a rich, cheesy flavor. Feel free to swap with Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if necessary.
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Sauté Onions: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Season Chicken: While the onions are cooking, season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast pieces with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
Brown Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high, add the seasoned chicken to the pan, and sauté until the pieces are golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. You want them to get that nice color; it adds extra flavor!
Add Garlic: Once the chicken is browned, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter quickly!
Toast Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the pan, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the other side. Toss in 1 cup of uncooked extra-long grain rice, stirring it in the oil until it takes on a slight golden hue, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
Combine & Boil: Carefully pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, bringing everything to a boil as you stir to combine the ingredients.
Cover & Cook: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Let the chicken and rice mixture simmer covered for about 12 minutes, allowing the rice to soak up the broth.
Prep Broccoli: While the rice is cooking, wash and cut the large bunch of fresh broccoli into bite-sized florets. This adds freshness and color to the final dish.
Incorporate Broccoli: After the initial cooking time, stir in the broccoli and continue to cook the mixture, still covered, for another 8 minutes, or until both the broccoli and rice are tender.
Melt Cheese: Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the delicious mix. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover the pan, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes so the cheese can melt.
Storing & Reheating
For any leftovers, allow the One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and fresh.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should be tender but still vibrant green. Timely addition ensures it retains its nutritional value and crunch.
- If you love a lot of cheese, don’t hold back; increasing the cheese can elevate the flavors even more.
- If using brown rice—remember it requires extra cooking time and broth, so plan accordingly!
- Experiment with other vegetables! Bell peppers, carrots, or peas are fantastic additions too.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is not just a meal but a delightful way to please your family with minimal fuss. The combination of flavors is comforting and hearty, while the vibrant colors make it a visual showstopper.
Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your preference; that’s the beauty of home cooking! Whether you are serving it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is bound to brighten your table. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If you choose brown rice, just know that it will take longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the chicken broth to about 3 cups and allow for an additional 10-15 minutes of simmering to ensure the rice is fully cooked.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To adapt this dish for a gluten-free diet, ensure you’re using gluten-free chicken broth and swap out the soy sauce (if included) with a gluten-free version. The rice in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you’re good there!
Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead by cutting the chicken and broccoli and storing them in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just follow the same steps. This makes it even quicker on a busy night.
What can I serve with One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice?
This hearty dish stands wonderfully on its own, but you can balance it out with a light side salad or some crusty bread if you’d like! It’s all about your cravings.
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a delightful dish packed with flavor and simplicity. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese with rice for a comforting meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until softened.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before adding to the pan.
- Increase heat to medium-high and brown the chicken pieces, then stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Move the chicken to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side.
- Add uncooked rice to the pan and sauté until it turns golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and stir everything together.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it cook for 12 minutes.
- While the mixture cooks, prepare the broccoli by cutting it into bite-sized florets.
- Stir the broccoli into the pan and cover, cooking for another 8 minutes or until both the rice and broccoli are tender.
- Remove the pan from heat and mix in half a cup of cheese.
- Add the remaining cheese on top, re-cover the pan, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes for the cheese to melt.
Notes
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand.
Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese if you prefer something different.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
