Creamy One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Hey there, one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice has become my ultimate weeknight dinner solution!

Busy families understand the struggle of creating delicious meals without endless cleanup.

Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheese into a single skillet feels like pure kitchen magic.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal that satisfies hungry appetites.

Quick preparation means you can have dinner ready in less than 30 minutes.

Creamy textures and savory flavors make this dish a total crowd-pleaser.

Grab a fork and get ready to enjoy a hassle-free, delectable dinner that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy protein for the dish.
• Rice: Classic grain that soaks up delicious flavors.
• Broccoli: Bright green vegetable packed with nutrients.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté and adds smooth richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic and zesty ingredient.

• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor.
• Cheese: Creamy and melty topping that brings everything together.
• Onions: Sweet and savory base for the recipe.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice in One Pan

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and fragrant, softening their sharp edges and releasing a sweet aroma.

Step 2: Prepare Flavorful Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating to enhance the meat’s natural flavors.

Step 3: Brown Chicken to Perfection

Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken to the pan.

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, creating a delicious caramelized crust.

Step 4: Enhance with Garlic

Add minced garlic to the pan, stirring it around the chicken for about 2 minutes.

The garlic will release its aromatic oils and infuse the dish with a rich, savory flavor.

Step 5: Toast the Rice

Push chicken to one side of the pan and add an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Introduce uncooked rice to the pan, stirring and toasting until it turns a light golden color, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Create a Flavorful Liquid Base

Pour chicken broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.

Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and distribute flavors evenly.

Step 7: Simmer and Cook

Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.

Allow the chicken and rice to simmer together for approximately 12 minutes, letting the rice absorb the flavorful liquid.

Step 8: Add Fresh Broccoli

While the chicken and rice are cooking, prepare broccoli by separating florets into bite-sized pieces.

Stir the broccoli into the pan and continue cooking covered for an additional 8 minutes.

Step 9: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Remove the pan from heat and stir in a generous handful of shredded cheese.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, covering the pan to let the cheese melt into a creamy, irresistible topping.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Serve hot, scooping out generous portions of the cheesy, chicken-filled rice.

One Pan Chicken Rice Tips That Work

• Dice onions uniformly for even caramelization and better flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Use a blend of salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the chicken's taste profile.
• Toast rice carefully to develop a nutty flavor and prevent sticking, watching closely to avoid burning.
• Cut broccoli into consistent bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain a tender-crisp texture.
• Let residual heat melt cheese slowly for a creamy, smooth finish without overcooking or making the dish greasy.

Saving and Reheating Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the meal fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water over top to prevent drying, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Warm leftover chicken and rice in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated evenly.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Sides

• Pair Perfectly with Zesty Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy chicken and cheese, cutting through richness with its bright, citrusy notes and refreshing acidity.
• Enhance with Fresh Salad: Create a light cucumber and arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty one-pan meal, adding a crisp, tangy counterpoint.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Elevate with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to introduce a vibrant, green brightness that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Mix-Up Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a gluten-free alternative. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cheese quantity for a lower-carbohydrate option. Add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and maintain the same cooking technique for protein-packed meal.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds. Select plant-based milk or additional broth to maintain moisture and richness of the original recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and longer cooking time. Add extra broth and increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes to ensure it becomes tender.

• Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just add it directly from the freezer and adjust cooking time slightly. Drain excess water before adding to prevent dish becoming watery.

• What type of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Chicken thighs can also be used for more flavor, but cooking time might vary slightly.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding a second protein like diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or stirring in some canned white beans during the last few minutes of cooking to boost protein content.

Why One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Is a Winner

• Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a complete meal prepared in just one pan, reducing kitchen cleanup and making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort: Combine protein-rich chicken, fiber-filled broccoli, and hearty rice for a balanced and satisfying dinner that nourishes the whole family.
• Quick and Customizable Meal: Whip up this versatile dish in under 30 minutes, with easy options to swap ingredients or add personal flavor twists to suit your taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese creates an irresistible golden topping that transforms this one-pan wonder into a creamy, delicious meal everyone will love.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty “One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice” delivers comfort straight from kitchen to plate. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice blend into a satisfying meal that promises deliciousness in every single bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 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

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Cooking Fat:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant.
2. Generously season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, ensuring even coating across all surfaces.
3. Elevate skillet temperature to medium-high and carefully place seasoned chicken into the pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown exterior.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring briefly to release its aromatic qualities and prevent burning.
5. Relocate chicken to one side of the pan and drizzle additional olive oil on the empty section.
6. Toast uncooked rice in the olive oil, gently stirring until grains develop a light golden hue and emit a nutty aroma.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, thoroughly incorporating all ingredients and creating a uniform mixture.
8. Reduce flame to low, cover the pan completely, and allow the chicken and rice to simmer quietly.
9. After approximately 12 minutes, carefully distribute broccoli florets throughout the skillet, ensuring even distribution.
10. Continue cooking covered for an additional 8 minutes, or until both rice and broccoli reach optimal tenderness.
11. Remove skillet from heat source and fold in shredded cheese, creating a creamy, cohesive texture.
12. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, replacing the lid to facilitate gentle melting for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Quickly chop broccoli into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Use medium-high heat when browning chicken to create a golden, flavorful exterior without overcooking the meat.
• Select a low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
• Opt for sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses to add more depth and complexity to the final flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg