One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is the kind of dish that brings comfort home. It’s a delightful blend of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice coated in melted cheese, all cooked together in a single pan. With each bite, you can taste the harmony of flavors, making it a beloved go-to for busy weeknights when you want something filling without a ton of clean-up.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was one of those evenings where everything seemed to be going wrong. I craved a warm, hearty meal that didn’t require hours in the kitchen. That’s when I discovered this one-pot wonder. From that moment, it became a staple in our home, not just for its convenience but for how it magically transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy experience that the whole family enjoys.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and seasoned chicken creates a mouthwatering savor that lingers.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Vibrant green broccoli complements the golden rice and cheese, resulting in a dish that’s as lovely as it is delicious.
- Flexible Serving: Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or needing leftovers for lunch, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap out the cheese or rice for gluten-free alternatives if necessary, making it adaptable for many dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and is perfect for sautéing. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Gives depth and sweetness to the dish. A sweet onion can also work well here.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken provides protein and is juicy when cooked right. You could substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful aroma and flavor. Feel free to use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for flavoring the chicken and rice. Table salt can be used, but adjust the quantity.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Enhances the overall taste and balances the richness.
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: This cooks into fluffy rice while absorbing all the delicious flavors. Brown rice can be used but will require more liquid and cooking time.
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli delivers color and nutrients. Frozen broccoli could be a convenient alternative.
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Provides moisture and flavor but ensures you aren’t overwhelmed with sodium. Vegetable broth works well too.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and introduces a delicious bite. Feel free to mix in other types of cheese for variety.
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Sauté Onions: Start by adding 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, cooking until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Season Chicken: While the onions are cooking, sprinkle a teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of freshly ground pepper over the diced chicken breasts. This seasoning will elevate the meat’s natural flavors.
Cook Chicken: Once the onions are softened, crank up the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Brown them until golden, about 5-7 minutes, then add the minced garlic, allowing it to cook with the chicken for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
Sauté Rice: Use a spatula to push the chicken to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the vacant side, then pour in 1 cup of uncooked extra long grain white rice. Sauté the rice for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to take on a light golden color.
Combine with Broth: Carefully pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. It can be helpful to scrape the bottom of the skillet for any flavorful bits stuck there.
Cook Covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow it to simmer for about 12 minutes. This is crucial for the rice to absorb the liquids and flavors.
Prep the Broccoli: While the chicken and rice are cooking, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. This will ensure they cook evenly and become tender when added later.
Add Broccoli: After the initial cooking time, uncover the skillet and stir in the broccoli. Cover again and let it cook for another 8 minutes on low heat until both the broccoli and the rice are tender and fluffy.
Add Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese, mixing well for even distribution. For a cheesy topping, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Melt Cheese: Place a lid back on the pan and let it sit for about 2-3 minutes. The residual heat will help melt the cheese perfectly, creating an inviting topping.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 3-5 minutes on a medium setting. The texture may vary slightly after freezing, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese can work wonders to refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the chicken; you want it tender and juicy, not dry.
- If you can, use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for enhanced flavor.
- For a creamy twist, consider adding a splash of heavy cream after cooking the broccoli.
- Measure your ingredients accurately for the best results, especially rice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots based on your taste.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is not just a dish; it’s a captivating journey of flavors wrapped around wholesome ingredients. The ease of preparation combined with rewarding flavors makes it an ideal option for busy families. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients, making it your own. Whether it’s your family’s weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this meal is sure to impress everyone around the table. Enjoy this delightful recipe, and happy cooking!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Use the same method but increase the broth to about 3 cups and cook for about 40 minutes covered until tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply replace chicken with a protein like chickpeas or tofu. Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain flavor without meat.
What type of cheese can I use besides cheddar?
While extra sharp cheddar is fantastic, you can also try mozzarella for a milder taste, gouda for a smokier flavor, or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex experience.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can chop the vegetables and season the chicken a day in advance. Just store everything in the fridge, and when you’re ready to cook, you’ll have a quick and easy meal ready to go!
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📖 Recipe Card
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: One Pot
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice stands out for its incredible flavor and ease. Perfect for busy weeknights, enjoy succulent chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese in a single pot for a hassle-free meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the onions until softened.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Once the onions are soft, increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken to the pan.
- Brown the chicken pieces, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional two minutes.
- Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the other side.
- Add the uncooked rice to the olive oil and sauté until the rice turns golden, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, and stir well to combine.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it cook for approximately 12 minutes.
- Meanwhile, remove broccoli florets and cut them into small pieces.
- After 12 minutes, stir in the broccoli and continue cooking covered for another 8 minutes, or until both the rice and broccoli are tender.
- Take the pan off the heat and mix in half a cup of cheese.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, re-cover, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes for the cheese to melt.
Notes
Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas for variety.
For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs like thyme or rosemary during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 645mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
