One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a comforting, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. This dish captures the delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice all cooked in a single pan. The ease of preparation alone is enough to make it a family favorite. You’ll love the simplicity as much as the rich flavor that comes from combining fresh ingredients with gooey cheddar cheese.

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 first discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when cooking seemed almost impossible. I wanted something easy that didn’t compromise on taste and nutrition for dinner. That’s when I stumbled upon One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice. Since then, it has become my go-to for a satisfying meal that everyone loves. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic choice for those unpredictable cravings during the week, whether you’re entertaining friends or having a cozy night in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, fresh broccoli, and extra sharp cheddar creates an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its vibrant colors, this meal looks as good as it tastes—a feast for the eyes!
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner but also delicious as leftovers for lunch the next day.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be made gluten-free by choosing the right rice and broth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil: This oil adds flavor and is perfect for sautéing your chicken and veggies. Feel free to substitute with canola or avocado oil if desired.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: The onion provides a foundational flavor; if you don’t have yellow onion, you can use red or even shallots.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken breast keeps the dish lean and tender, but you can use thighs for a richer flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic enhances the aroma and taste; a teaspoon of garlic powder can work in a pinch.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning—adjust to taste if you prefer less salt.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds warmth; substitute with white pepper for a milder flavor.
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: Long grain rice cooks well and has a nice texture. Basmati or jasmine rice could also be used.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds color and nutrition; frozen broccoli florets are a convenient alternative.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. Homemade broth works wonders.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Use freshly grated cheese for a melty result, or try it with other types like Monterey Jack or gouda.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced 1/2 medium yellow onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.

Season Chicken: Meanwhile, season the 1 pound of cut chicken breast pieces with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. This step ensures the chicken is flavorful throughout.

Cook Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken pieces for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides.

Add Garlic: When the chicken is just about cooked through, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Sauté Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, and in the cleared space, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add in 1 cup of uncooked extra long grain white rice and sauté it for about 2-3 minutes, until it starts to take on a lovely golden hue.

Add Broth: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, bringing it to a boil. Stir gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the rice is submerged in the broth for even cooking.

Cover & Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook the mixture for about 12 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and the flavors to meld beautifully.

Prepare Broccoli: While the chicken and rice are cooking, remove the florets from the large bunch of fresh broccoli, slicing them into bite-sized pieces.

Incorporate Broccoli: After 12 minutes, gently stir in the broccoli pieces and cover the skillet again. Cook for an additional 8 minutes on low heat or until the broccoli is tender, and the rice is fluffy.

Melt Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese, blending it into the mixture for that creamy finish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover once more, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted deliciously.

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftovers of One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, let the dish cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored 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. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or gently warm it on the stove over low heat. The texture might change slightly, but a splash of chicken broth can help revive the creaminess.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Choose fresh broccoli for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, add it for the last 5 minutes of cooking to avoid mushy veggies.
To keep the rice from becoming mushy, make sure you’re not overcooking it. The rice should absorb all the liquid, but check for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
For added flavor, try using a mixture of cheeses when melting. A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella gives a wonderful creamy base.
If you want a little kick, add red pepper flakes along with the garlic!
This recipe is versatile—feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or carrots that you might have on hand.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is an easy, delicious, and satisfying meal that is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. It combines the creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave with the nutritional benefits of chicken and broccoli. Plus, since it all cooks in one pan, cleanup is a breeze! Don’t hesitate to add your own twist to the dish; perhaps a sprinkle of lemon juice or some toasted nuts for crunch could make it uniquely yours. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While extra sharp cheddar is a fan favorite for its bold flavor, you can experiment with other cheeses such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just keep in mind that melting properties may vary slightly.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

If you don’t have low-sodium chicken broth on hand, water can be used as a substitute! To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a bouillon cube to the cooking liquid.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. Feel free to throw in some peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly so that all veggies remain tender-crisp.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

To keep the chicken juicy, avoid overcooking it. Ensure that it is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Additionally, stirring it less frequently can help retain moisture, allowing it to brown without drying out.