One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and rice enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. This one-pot wonder takes minimal effort, making it a brilliant choice for anyone looking to whip up a delightful homemade meal without hours in the kitchen. As the cheese melts and the fragrant garlic wafts through your home, you’ll know that you’ve stumbled upon a family favorite.

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

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to satisfy a variety of cravings. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for special occasions, this dish has you covered. With just one pot to clean, One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice makes cooking less daunting and more enjoyable. I invite you to gather your ingredients and fall in love with this dish just as I have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about 30 minutes, dinner is served.
Irresistible Flavor: Each bite bursts with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, complemented by the freshness of broccoli.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green broccoli and the golden melted cheese make for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Flexible Serving: Whether it’s a cozy family meal or a potluck gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Diet-Friendly Options: Seek gluten-free or low-carb alternatives for a tailored experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds healthy fat and richness to the dish; feel free to substitute with any cooking oil you prefer.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Provides a savory base flavor; white onions or shallots work as alternatives.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Lean protein that cooks quickly; thighs can also be used for a juicier option.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a wonderful aroma; use garlic powder as an alternative if needed.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor; adjust based on your dietary preferences.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle kick; you can omit it for a milder taste.
1 cup uncooked extra-long grain white rice: Absorbs flavors and thickens the dish; brown rice can be substituted with a longer cooking time.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Nutrient-packed and adds a great texture; frozen broccoli is also a convenient option.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor; vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian twist.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and offers a bold flavor; any cheese you enjoy, like Gruyère or Monterey Jack, can work as well.

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 pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes. The goal is to see them becoming translucent, signaling that they’re ready for the next step.

Season Chicken: While the onions are cooking, season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces, with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. This simple seasoning not only enhances the chicken’s natural flavors but also sets the stage for the entire dish.

Cook Chicken: Once the onions have softened, increase the heat to medium-high and carefully add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook until the chicken pieces are browned, about 5-7 minutes. You want them golden on the outside, ensuring a delicious flavor. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and let it cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant, bringing all those beautiful flavors together.

Sauté Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add another tablespoon of olive oil on the other side. Toss in 1 cup of uncooked extra-long grain white rice and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the rice starts to take on a golden color. This toasting step enhances its nuttiness and flavor.

Add Broth & Boil: Slowly pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth while bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients before reducing the heat to low. Cover your pan tightly and allow it to simmer for about 12 minutes, letting the rice absorb all those incredible flavors.

Prepare Broccoli: While the chicken and rice are cooking, remove the florets from a large bunch of fresh broccoli, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. You want them nicely sized for even cooking, contributing to that perfect texture in the final dish.

Stir In Broccoli: After 12 minutes, carefully lift the lid and stir in the broccoli pieces. Replace the cover and continue cooking for another 8 minutes on low heat, ensuring both the broccoli and rice become tender. You should see steam rising and walls of the pan bubbling; this is a great sign!

Melt Cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese. Allow it to melt into the mixture—that’s where the comfort factor comes in. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Place the cover back on and let it sit for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating an irresistible, creamy topping.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you need to keep it longer, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a splash of broth will refresh it beautifully.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should remain vibrant and slightly crunchy for the best texture.
If using frozen broccoli, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become mushy.
Make sure the chicken is cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Consider adding a splash of lemon juice or some red pepper flakes at the end for a brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.
Cooking the rice until it’s just tender is key to preventing it from becoming mushy.

Now that we’ve gotten all the details down, you’ll find that One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy gathering of flavors and textures that warms the heart and tummy. With every cheesy bite, you’re creating memories around the table. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up until the point of adding the cheese and then store it in the refrigerator for a day. When ready, simply reheat, add the cheese, and let it melt!

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice typically requires more cooking time and additional liquid. If substituting, you’ll want to add about 1 extra cup of broth and increase the cooking time to about 30-35 minutes.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you prefer a vegetarian option or want to enhance the flavor, vegetable broth or even water can be used, although the flavor might be less rich. Just ensure you taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, peas, or carrots. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking, adding them along with the broccoli.

More One Pot Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

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

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the flavors of One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, a satisfying meal made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese. This simple, wholesome dish is perfect for those looking for a quick dinner that brings comfort and joy to the table.

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions.
Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
Once the onions soften, raise the heat and add chicken to the pan.
Brown the chicken, then stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil on the other side.
Sauté the uncooked rice in the olive oil until it turns golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, and stir to combine all ingredients.
Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for approximately 12 minutes.
While cooking, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
Stir the broccoli into the chicken and rice mixture, cover, and cook for another 8 minutes or until both are tender.
Remove from heat and mix in half a cup of cheese, allowing it to melt under the lid for about 2-3 minutes.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in spices before cooking.
You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
Adjust the cheese quantity based on your preference for creaminess.