The Hearty One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Crafting a delectable one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish can revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Busy home cooks appreciate recipes that minimize cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a wholesome dinner solution.

Proteins, vegetables, and grains unite in a single skillet, promising a balanced plate.

Melted cheese adds a creamy indulgence that makes you crave every single bite.

Ready to transform your cooking with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness?

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice For Full Flavor In One Dish

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Whip up a complete meal in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup using a single pan, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked comfort food.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Combine lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice into a balanced meal that delivers essential nutrients without complicated preparation.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Create a satisfying dinner that's affordable, feeds multiple people, and appeals to both kids and adults with its cheesy, familiar flavors and simple ingredients.
• Versatile Cooking Technique: Easily customize the recipe by swapping proteins, trying different cheeses, or adding extra vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and pantry availability.

Everything In Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that forms the heart of the dish, best to choose fresh and trimmed cuts for even cooking.
• Yellow Onion: Adds depth and sweet flavor base to the recipe, provides aromatic foundation.
• Garlic: Brings intense, bold flavor and enhances overall taste profile of the dish.

• Extra Long Grain White Rice: Creates fluffy, separate grains as the starchy base of the recipe, choose high-quality rice for best texture.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides liquid for cooking rice and adds subtle savory background flavor without overwhelming saltiness.

• Kosher Salt, Freshly Ground Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the dish's overall taste, freshly ground pepper offers more robust flavor.
• Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers rich, tangy cheese flavor and creamy melted texture, select high-quality aged cheddar for maximum taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Helps with sautéing ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• Fresh Broccoli: Adds nutritious green vegetable element with crisp texture and mild earthy flavor.

Chicken Broccoli Rice One-Pan Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance throughout the kitchen.

Step 2: Brown The Chicken

Introduce chicken pieces to the pan, allowing them to sizzle and develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Cook until the chicken is nicely caramelized and sealed.

Step 3: Enhance With Flavor Boosters

Sprinkle minced garlic into the pan, followed by a generous dash of salt and pepper.

Stir to distribute the seasonings evenly across the chicken and onions.

Step 4: Toast The Rice

Add rice to the pan, stirring to coat the grains with the flavorful oils and juices.

Gently toast the rice for a couple of minutes to enhance its nutty undertones.

Step 5: Create The Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.

Immediately reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let the rice simmer quietly for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Introduce Broccoli

Gently fold in fresh broccoli florets, ensuring they nestle among the chicken and rice.

Cover and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes until the rice reaches perfect tenderness.

Step 7: Melt The Cheese

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy, luxurious coating that brings all the ingredients together in delicious harmony.

Smart Hints for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

• Select crisp broccoli and high-quality chicken for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Stir rice occasionally while cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the pan.
• Remove pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent overcooking and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences without changing core cooking method.
• Sprinkle additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the dish's overall taste profile and add complexity.

How To Keep One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Tasting Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm gently in skillet over low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Consume reheated dish within 1-2 days for best taste and texture. Cheese might separate slightly, but stirring helps restore creamy consistency.

Side Suggestions for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Pair this hearty one-pan dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These light, refreshing wines cut through the richness of the cheese and complement the chicken's mild flavor.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a zesty green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette. The bright, acidic notes will balance the creamy, cheesy texture of the main dish.
• Add Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare a warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious pan juices. Its crispy exterior and soft interior provide a perfect textural contrast to the creamy chicken and rice.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. These herbs add a pop of color, fresh flavor, and a light, aromatic touch to the comforting one-pan meal.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Twists

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives like cashew cheese. Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for added flavor.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles. Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for higher fat content and more flavor.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra herbs like thyme or rosemary for depth.

FAQs

• Why use chicken broth instead of water?

Chicken broth adds deeper flavor and more nutrients to the rice, making the entire dish more savory and rich compared to using plain water.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the pan to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat and remains juicy.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This one-pan dish stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats easily, making it an excellent option for quick weeknight meals or preparing lunches in advance.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice delivers comfort in a single skillet, blending creamy textures with wholesome ingredients. Busy home cooks can savor this effortless meal that brings family together with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium flame, introducing diced onions and transforming them into a translucent, aromatic base.
2. Incorporate chicken pieces into the skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown exterior through careful searing.
3. Infuse the pan with minced garlic, complemented by a measured sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper, enhancing the protein’s flavor profile.
4. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, gently coating the grains with residual oil and toasting them to unlock deeper, nuttier undertones.
5. Stream chicken broth into the pan, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous bubble, then immediately reduce heat, secure with a tight-fitting lid, and allow gentle simmering.
6. After initial cooking, nestle broccoli florets atop the developing dish, returning the lid to create a steamy environment that will tenderize the grains and vegetables simultaneously.
7. Conclude the culinary journey by cascading shredded cheddar across the surface, gently folding until the cheese melts into a luxurious, creamy coating that binds all elements together.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for diverse dietary needs.
• Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to enhance nutty flavor and prevent clumping.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and allow personal seasoning preference.
• Incorporate extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for increased nutritional value and color variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg