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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 62 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: One Pan Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a quick and comforting weeknight dinner made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melty cheddar cheese—all cooked in one pan for minimal cleanup. This easy-to-make dish offers a perfect blend of textures and savory, cheesy goodness.


Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or crushed red pepper flakes for heat


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken begins to turn golden.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle uncooked rice into the pan and stir to coat the rice in the chicken and aromatics. Add chicken broth, and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
  4. Once the rice is tender, scatter broccoli florets over the top of the rice and chicken. Cover and cook for another 7-10 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
  5. Stir everything together gently, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until gooey and melted.
  6. Serve with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or scallions for added freshness and flavor. Optionally, add paprika or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.

Notes

  • If using brown rice, adjust cooking time and add more broth as necessary, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
  • This recipe is versatile—feel free to substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, or add additional spices like garlic powder for more flavor.
  • If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cubed tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.