Quick & Creamy One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Cooking a hearty one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish can turn an ordinary weeknight into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners demand smart solutions that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Busy home cooks deserve meals that come together quickly without sacrificing taste or nutrition.

This recipe combines protein-packed chicken with tender broccoli and creamy cheese for a complete meal in a single skillet.

Comfort meets convenience when you blend these ingredients into a delightful culinary experience.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats every morsel, ensuring each bite is packed with incredible richness.

Dive in and savor this delectable creation that promises to become a new family favorite.

Why One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe Is A Keeper

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious, nutritious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Prepare an entire satisfying dinner using just one pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious post-meal cleaning time.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and nutrient-rich broccoli for a well-balanced, wholesome meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Budget-Friendly Comfort Food: Utilizes affordable, accessible ingredients to create a hearty dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank, making it ideal for budget-conscious home cooks.

Items For Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that brings hearty flavor and substance to the dish, boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and moisture to the rice cooking process, low-sodium for better control of salt content.

• Yellow Onion: Aromatic base that provides sweet and savory underlying flavor to the entire dish.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent taste and enhances overall dish complexity, fresh cloves recommended.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition, texture, and bright color, best when using a large bunch with crisp florets.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: High-quality cooking fat for sautéing and adding rich flavor, divided for different cooking stages.
• White Rice: Extra long grain variety ensures fluffy and separate grains after cooking.
• Kosher Salt: Provides essential seasoning with clean, pure salt profile.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for maximum flavor and aromatic quality.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, tangy richness and melts beautifully to create a luxurious sauce, extra sharp recommended for deeper flavor.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice One Pan Guide

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Drizzle olive oil into a large pan over medium heat.

Toss in diced onions and gently cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add another splash of olive oil and introduce chicken pieces to the pan.

Let them sizzle and develop a golden-brown exterior, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 3: Enhance with Garlic and Seasonings

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Stir to distribute the flavors evenly across the chicken.

Step 4: Toast the Rice

Introduce rice to the pan with a final drizzle of olive oil.

Stir and toast the grains for 2 minutes, allowing them to develop a nutty aroma and slight golden color.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Nestle fresh broccoli florets into the rice and chicken mixture.

Cover and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the rice becomes tender and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.

Step 7: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot dish.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating that binds all the ingredients together.

Tricks That Help Broccoli Chicken Rice Come Together Smoothly

• Use a non-stick skillet to reduce olive oil needed and prevent sticking, ensuring even cooking and less cleanup.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning and more intense flavor, creating a delicious golden exterior.
• Swap cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutrient content and create more colorful, vibrant dish.
• Use long-grain rice for fluffier results and avoid stirring too much during cooking to prevent starchy, sticky consistency.

Store One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerated chicken broccoli rice stays fresh for 3-4 days. Keep sealed tightly to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Warm in microwave with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly.
• If rice seems dry when reheating, add a small amount of water or broth to restore moisture and prevent clumping.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Dish Additions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the richness of cheesy chicken, refreshing your palate with bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Fresh Green Salad: Arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette provides a tangy contrast to the creamy, comforting one-pan dish, balancing its heavier elements.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Honey-glazed carrots or garlic-roasted asparagus add sweet and caramelized dimensions that enhance the chicken and rice's savory profile.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Warm sourdough or rustic french baguette helps soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, turning the meal into a more substantial dining experience.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Creative Switch-Ups

• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a complete meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and reduce cooking time to 10 minutes, maintaining the same cheesy and nutritious profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially broth and cheese, ensuring safe consumption for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese shreds made from cashew or almond base, maintaining creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute long-grain white rice with brown rice or jasmine rice. Just adjust cooking time accordingly, as different rice varieties may require slightly different liquid amounts and cooking durations.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check your broth and cheese labels to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by using rotisserie chicken, increasing the chicken amount, or incorporating additional protein sources like diced ham or cooked bacon bits into the one-pan recipe.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance and reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to help restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice masterpiece, combining hearty ingredients for a wholesome meal. Savory chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese blend perfectly, creating a satisfying dinner solution you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Cooking Essentials:

• 1 cup rice
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat a spacious skillet and drizzle with olive oil, then methodically sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior.
2. Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet, gently sautéing until the aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
3. Incorporate uncooked rice, chicken broth, and carefully season with salt and freshly ground pepper, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Securely cover the skillet and reduce heat, allowing the rice to gently simmer and absorb the flavorful liquid until it reaches a tender consistency.
5. Layer fresh broccoli florets atop the partially cooked rice and chicken mixture, covering briefly to steam the vegetables until they reach a vibrant green and crisp-tender texture.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and generously sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the surface, stirring until the cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy coating that binds all ingredients together.
7. Transfer the one-pan meal to serving dishes, ensuring each portion receives an equal distribution of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheesy goodness, then serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and quicker preparation.
• Select sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor profile that complements the chicken and broccoli.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning to taste.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free option by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg