Name: One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a comforting and wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chunks of chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and fluffy rice smothered in rich cheddar cheese, this dish offers both hearty flavor and nutrition all in one pot. Its simplicity and quick cooking time make it a go-to recipe in my home, whether it’s a regular weeknight dinner or a meal prepped for the week ahead.

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

What I love most about this recipe is how everything comes together with minimal fuss and cleanup. There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking all these ingredients together, allowing them to marinate and infuse their flavors. With every bite, you experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will remind you of home-cooked meals. I can’t wait for you to try this dish; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory chicken, earthy broccoli, and melted sharp cheddar is simply divine.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful presentation makes it perfect for impressing guests or for a cozy family dinner.
Flexible Serving: Great for dinner, lunch or as a filling snack; it’s versatile and satisfying.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets with the right rice and broth choices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Use this for sautéing and flavor enhancement. You can replace with vegetable oil if needed.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Offers a sweet and savory base to the dish; a shallot can be used as a substitute for a milder flavor.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: This lean protein is the star of the dish; thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth that elevates the overall dish; feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover!
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences if using table salt.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Provides a slight kick; black pepper is perfect, but white pepper can work in a pinch.
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: It cooks beautifully in the broth; substitute with brown rice, though cooking time will increase.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Find vibrant, fresh florets for the best flavor and texture; frozen broccoli can also be a good option, just adjust cooking time.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Use this to cook the rice and infuse it with flavor; vegetable broth may be used for a vegetarian twist.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: The cheesy addition brings richness and comfort; feel free to mix with Monterey Jack for a creamier taste.

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 skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until the onions become translucent and fragrant.

Season Chicken: While the onions are cooking, take your 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper. Toss to ensure even seasoning.

Brown Chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until browned. Then, stir occasionally and cook for an additional 2 minutes. The chicken should be just cooked through before moving to the next step.

Add Garlic: Toss in the 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 2 more minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter quickly.

Sauté Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Add in 1 cup of uncooked extra long grain white rice and sauté for about 2-3 minutes. You want the rice to take on a light golden color, indicating that it has begun to toast, which enhances its flavor.

Pour in Broth: Carefully add 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the broth. Bring it to a boil.

Cover and Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it simmer for about 12 minutes. During this time, the rice will absorb the liquid and soften.

Prepare Broccoli: While everything is simmering, take the large bunch of broccoli and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure to get rid of any tough stems to ensure tenderness.

Add Broccoli: After the initial 12 minutes, remove the lid and stir in your prepared broccoli. Cover the pan again and continue to cook on low for another 8 minutes or until both the broccoli and rice are tender.

Melt Cheese: Once cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of the extra sharp cheddar cheese, mixing until it’s melted and creamy. For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover the pan again, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted.

Storing & Reheating

To store One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours or stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Be aware that the texture may change slightly, but adding a splash of chicken broth can bring it back to life!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the broccoli; it should be bright green and tender, not mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking for the best texture.
When seasoning the dish, always taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper according to your preferences.
If you want more flavor, consider sautéing the chicken with some herbs like thyme or oregano.
Remember to allow the dish to sit covered for a few minutes after cooking; this helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like gouda or mozzarella for a unique twist!

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is not only a meal that satisfies cravings but also a wholesome option that brings family and friends together at the table. This recipe embodies comfort food while being simple enough for even novice cooks. Whether you’re in a rush or looking for something to cozy up with, this dish checks all the boxes. Don’t hesitate to play with ingredients and make it your own—whether adding some spicy chiles or swapping out for your favorite veggies. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice! However, brown rice requires a longer cooking time, typically about 30-40 minutes of simmering covered, so you may need to add a bit more broth to ensure everything cooks properly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare both the chicken and the rice up to the point before adding broccoli and cheese. Just store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, and when ready to enjoy, add the broccoli and cheese before reheating.

What can I serve with this dish?

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a complete meal, but if you’d like to round it out, consider serving it with a side salad for some freshness or crusty bread to soak up every last cheesy bite.