One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is one of those delightful dishes that brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table. Picture this: tender chunks of chicken perfectly browned, nestled among fluffy rice, vibrant green broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese, all cooked together in one pot. It’s time-saving and an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights, effortlessly transforming into a crowd-pleasing meal. Plus, with every scoop, you’ll be rewarded with a satisfying burst of flavor that never disappoints.

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
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

I remember the first time I made this recipe; it was a weeknight after an exhausting day, and I was craving something hearty yet uncomplicated. I wanted a nutritious meal that wouldn’t dirty up half my kitchen—enter the One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice! It quickly became a family favorite, and I’m thrilled to share it with you. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cheese, chicken, and broccoli will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The cheesy layers with green broccoli pops make it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, meal-prepping, or cozy gatherings.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right rice and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds rich flavor and helps in browning the chicken. Substitute with avocado oil for a different twist.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Onions provide a savory base for this dish. You can replace them with shallots if preferred.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken breasts keep the dish light; you can use chicken thighs for more flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic depth. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works as a substitute.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: This enhances the overall flavor balance. Adjust according to your taste or use sea salt.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives a subtle kick. You can swap it for white pepper if you prefer a milder flavor.
1 cup uncooked extra-long grain white rice: This rice absorbs the flavors beautifully; jasmine or basmati rice would be great alternatives.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only adds nutrients but color. Frozen can work too; just adjust cooking time.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth keeps the dish from becoming too salty, but regular broth is okay if you balance with less salt.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese brings rich flavor and creaminess; feel free to mix in your favorites like Monterey Jack for unique taste.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Sauté onions: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Stir in the diced 1/2 medium yellow onion and cook until it becomes fragrant and slightly translucent.

Season chicken: While the onions are doing their thing, season 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, which you’ve cut into bite-sized pieces, with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper.

Brown chicken: Once the onions have softened, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan, cooking until it’s golden brown on all sides, which should take about 5–7 minutes.

Add garlic: After browning the chicken, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 2 more minutes until it’s aromatic.

Sauté rice: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, then drizzle an additional tablespoon of olive oil on the empty side. Add 1 cup of uncooked extra-long grain white rice and stir it in the olive oil for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to become lightly toasted.

Combine broth: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Give everything a good stir to combine well.

Cook covered: Reduce heat to low, covering the skillet tightly. Let the chicken and rice cook undisturbed for approximately 12 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth flavors fully.

Prepare broccoli: While the chicken and rice are cooking, cut the florets from a large bunch of fresh broccoli into bite-sized pieces, ready to infuse more healthiness into the dish.

Add broccoli: After the initial cooking time, stir in the prepared broccoli and continue cooking, covered, for an additional 8 minutes or until both the broccoli and rice are tender.

Cheddar stir-in: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in 1/2 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s melted and evenly distributed through the dish.

Melt cheese topping: Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, cover again, and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This waiting period will allow the cheese to melt beautifully and become wonderfully gooey.

Storing & Reheating

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. The cheese may firm up a bit, but a splash of chicken broth can restore some of it to creamy glory.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Ensure the chicken is cut into evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking.
Let the ingredients, especially the chicken, come to room temperature before cooking to help achieve a golden brown color.
Adjust the cooking time if you’re using different types of rice, as some may require more liquid and longer cooking times.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, and add them in along with the broccoli for extra nutrition.
For more intense flavors, consider incorporating herbs like thyme or oregano into the broth.

You now have a recipe for a complete meal that’s quick, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. With One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, you’ll enjoy minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the veggies or cheeses you choose, and make this dish your own!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer brown rice, just be aware that it will require longer cooking time and possibly more broth. Typically, brown rice takes about 40 to 45 minutes to cook.

What if I don’t have broccoli on hand?

No problem! You can substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower or peas. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly since softer veggies like peas require less cooking.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and rice mixture without the broccoli and cheese, then finish it up just before serving. This way, you get hot cheesy veggies every time!

How can I make this dish spicier?

For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños when you add the garlic. This will give the entire dish a delightful heat to complement the cheesy goodness.