One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of juicy, tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese blankets fluffy rice, making this dish a wholesome delight for the whole family. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to whip this up, and it brings together all the comfort food vibes with minimal hassle. It’s a one-pan wonder that not only simplifies clean-up but also ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

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

I still remember the first time I made this dish. It was the beginning of a chilly fall evening, and I found myself craving a hearty meal that wouldn’t take all night to prepare. Watching the rice absorb the flavors while the cheese melted beautifully on top felt like pure magic. This family-friendly meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and I can guarantee your loved ones will keep coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of making One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: From start to finish, you can have dinner ready in about 40 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and extra sharp cheddar cheese creates a finger-licking taste with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This vibrant dish not only tastes great but looks colorful and inviting on your dinner table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for weeknight meals, potlucks, or family gatherings—everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapt this dish for different dietary needs by substituting ingredients as needed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided: This healthy fat helps sauté and flavor the dish. You could substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base. If you’re not a fan of onions, you can leave them out, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides hearty protein. Thighs can be used for a juicier option.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a robust flavor that takes this dish to another level. Freshly minced garlic is key for the best aroma.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of all ingredients. Feel free to adjust based on your taste preferences.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adds a gentle heat that balances the dish nicely. White pepper can be a subtler option.
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: This variety pairs well with the chicken and absorbs flavors beautifully. You might consider brown rice, but cook time will vary.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Packed with nutrients and adds a delightful crunch. Frozen broccoli is a convenient alternative.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for cooking the rice and chicken. Vegetable broth works in a pinch for a lighter taste.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the dish! Use finely shredded cheese for better melting; feel free to switch it up with mozzarella or another favorite cheese for variation.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Sauté Onions: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced half yellow onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen already!

Season & Brown Chicken: While the onions are cooking, season 1 pound of chicken breast pieces generously with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Once the onions are softened, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Brown the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s no longer pink, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic: Once the chicken has browned, stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and continue cooking for about 2 more minutes. The mix of garlic and sautéed onion is heavenly!

Cook Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add another tablespoon of olive oil on the other side. Pour in 1 cup of uncooked extra long grain white rice into the hot oil and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to turn golden. This step brings out the rich flavors of the rice.

Combine Broth: Carefully pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. As you’re stirring to combine, you’ll see all the deliciousness starting to come together.

Cover & Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook the chicken and rice mixture for about 12 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and flavors.

Prepare Broccoli: While the chicken and rice cook, take your large bunch of broccoli and remove the florets, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Fresh broccoli adds such a lovely crunch and nutrition to this dish.

Add Broccoli: After the 12 minutes are up, uncover the skillet and stir in the chopped broccoli pieces. Cover the pan again and continue to cook on low for another 8 minutes, until both the broccoli and rice are tender. Trust me, the vibrant color is oh-so-inviting!

Incorporate Cheese: Once everything is tender and the aroma makes your mouth water, remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Melt More Cheese: To finish, sprinkle the remaining 1 to 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese on top. Place the cover back on the pan and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, cheesy blanket over your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours, or refrigerate for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until heated through, adding a splash of broth to refresh the flavors as the dish may dry out a little.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning chicken to ensure even cooking and browning.
Let the chicken reach room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
Use a high-quality broth for better flavor; low-sodium options are great for controlling salt levels.
Adjust the cooking time based on the type of rice used; brown rice will need more liquid and a longer cooking time.
For added flavor, consider squeezing some fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving.
Feel free to prepare the chicken and broccoli ahead of time for a quick weeknight meal!

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice brings together flavors and convenience in a delightful way. It’s not just about filling stomachs but also about creating moments of joy around the dinner table. Experiment with your favorite spices or extra veggies to make this dish your own! Whether for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, it’s bound to deliver comfort with each bite. Enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and rice component ahead of time, allowing you to create an easy weeknight meal. Simply store the uncooked dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cook the broccoli fresh before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of chicken?

If you’re looking for a meat-free option, firm tofu or chickpeas can be excellent substitutes. These options will provide protein while pairing beautifully with the rice and cheese. Adjust the cooking time slightly based on which substitute you choose.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli can be a convenient alternative. Just add it in with the rice during the last addition of cooking. There’s no need to thaw it ahead of time; it will steam nicely along with the hot dish!

How do I adjust the recipe for larger servings?

To make more portions, simply multiply the ingredients while ensuring the pan is large enough to accommodate everything. You may need to add more cooking time, especially if the pan is crowded, so keep an eye on the consistency as it cooks.

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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

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Author: Anna
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 delightful meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic option for a quick family dinner or a comforting meal on busy days. Plus, it’s all done in one pan for easy cleanup!

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 until soft.
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pan.
Brown the chicken pieces, then add minced garlic and cook for about 2 more minutes.
Push chicken to one side of the pan, adding an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the other side.
Sauté the uncooked rice in olive oil until it starts to turn golden, about 2-3 minutes.
Pour chicken broth into the pan, bring to a boil, and stir everything together.
Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for about 12 minutes.
While it cooks, prepare about 1 large bunch of broccoli, cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
Stir in broccoli and continue cooking covered for another 8 minutes or until both are tender.
Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the amount of cheese to your taste.
For added flavor, try sprinkling some paprika or red pepper flakes before serving.
This dish can be easily adapted with other vegetables such as peas or carrots.