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
- 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.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pan with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.