The Quick One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Comfort comes alive in this delightful one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish that promises zero cleanup hassle.

cheesy goodness meets nutritious ingredients in a simple skillet marvel.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with minimal effort required.

Proteins, vegetables, and grains unite in a creamy, satisfying ensemble that will make everyone at the table smile.

Melted cheese creates a magical coating that binds each ingredient into pure deliciousness.

Simple kitchen techniques transform ordinary components into an extraordinary meal.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing creation that delivers maximum flavor with minimal work.

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice That’s Family-Friendly

• Simplify Meal Prep: One skillet does all the work, minimizing dishes and cutting down kitchen cleanup time while delivering a complete meal with protein, vegetables, and grains.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like using different cheeses, adding spices, or switching proteins to match family preferences and pantry availability.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make this dish appealing to kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a nutritious and delicious meal together.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires minimal cooking skills and takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy households seeking a satisfying and balanced dinner solution.

Ingredients for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the core of this one-pan meal and provides hearty flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and crisp texture to the dish.
• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides a subtle sweet and savory base flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent ingredient that enhances the overall depth of flavor in the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a rich and creamy coating for the entire dish.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps create a creamy texture and adds richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional sharp cheese that provides an extra layer of tangy flavor.

• Rice: Fluffy grain that serves as the foundational starch of this one-pan meal.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and infuse additional depth.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide rich flavor and help prevent sticking.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds heat to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that provides a fresh garnish.
• Lemon Juice: Optional bright acidic element to finish the dish.

How to Make One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Easily

Step 1: Sear The Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Add chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Using the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic.

Cook until onions become translucent and garlic releases its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Toast The Rice

Add rice to the skillet and stir thoroughly, ensuring each grain gets coated with the flavorful oil and butter mixture.

Step 4: Create The Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and milk.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Simmer The Rice

Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes.

The rice should be nearly cooked but not completely done.

Step 6: Combine Proteins And Vegetables

Add back the cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the skillet.

Gently stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Finish Cooking

Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes.

Ensure broccoli becomes tender and rice reaches perfect doneness.

Step 8: Melt The Cheese

Remove skillet from heat.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until cheese melts completely and blends smoothly.

Step 9: Garnish And Serve

Optional: Top with grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, chopped fresh parsley, and a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness.

Pro Tips for Creamy and Delicious One-Pan Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Select high-quality chicken breasts, crisp broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and texture.
• If rice seems dry during cooking, add extra chicken broth or milk to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, keeping it tender and juicy.
• Experiment with different cheese types like monterey jack or gruyere for unique taste profiles and creamy consistency.
• Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform sizes to guarantee even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.

Variations to Customize One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free chicken broth for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives and use unsweetened almond milk instead of regular milk.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, using vegetable broth for added flavor and protein.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap paprika for chili powder, and include pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern-inspired meal.

Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Family Feast Night: Gather everyone around the table for a cozy, comforting meal that brings smiles and warmth. This one-pan wonder is perfect for creating lasting memories.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into containers for quick lunches or easy work week dinners. The dish reheats beautifully and stays deliciously creamy and flavorful.
• Veggie Boost Hack: Swap broccoli with seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or asparagus to keep the recipe exciting and nutritious. Experiment with different green veggies to keep things interesting.
• Protein Power-Up: Transform the dish by using shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even plant-based protein alternatives for a fun twist on the classic recipe.

Best Storage Practices for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice works, but you’ll need to increase liquid and cooking time by about 20-25 minutes since it takes longer to cook.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are ideal. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and better distribution.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat in the skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Unified One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole delivers comfort on a single pan with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Base Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) long-grain white rice
• 2 cups (480 ml) fresh broccoli florets
• 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a combination of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
2. Using the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their fragrant essence.
3. Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, thoroughly coating the grains with the flavorful oil and butter mixture.
4. Pour chicken broth and milk into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a rolling boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for approximately 15 minutes, achieving an almost-tender consistency.
6. Gently fold broccoli florets and previously cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring even distribution.
7. Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 5-7 minutes, until broccoli becomes tender and rice reaches complete doneness.
8. Remove from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and integrates with the dish.
9. For enhanced flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh parsley and a zesty splash of lemon juice before serving.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
• Slice broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets for consistent cooking and better texture distribution.
• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
• Add a protein boost by incorporating quinoa instead of traditional white rice.
• Create a gluten-free option by using cauliflower rice as a base.
• Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the skillet with white wine before adding broth.
• Prevent rice from sticking by stirring occasionally and maintaining low, steady heat during simmering.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 360 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg