Description
Comfort meets convenience in this one-pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish, blending hearty protein with nutritious greens and creamy cheese. Hungry diners will savor each forkful of this effortless meal that brings together classic flavors in a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 12 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 large bunch fresh broccoli
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Cheese:
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add seasoned chicken pieces to the pan, cooking until golden brown on all exterior surfaces, around 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors.
- Slide chicken to one side of the pan and add remaining olive oil.
- Toast uncooked rice in hot oil, stirring continuously to prevent burning and enhance nutty undertones, about 2-3 minutes.
- Reunite chicken with rice and pour chicken broth into the pan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and allow contents to simmer for 15 minutes, allowing rice to absorb liquid and become tender.
- Distribute broccoli florets evenly across the top of the rice and chicken mixture, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until broccoli is vibrant green and slightly crisp.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish, covering and letting cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring even cheese distribution, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that’s packed with protein and flavor.
- Cut broccoli into smaller florets for faster, more even cooking and easier eating experience.
- Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutritional boost, just increase liquid and cooking time slightly.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or gouda for unique flavor profiles that elevate the dish’s taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg