One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

If there’s ever a dish that perfectly captures comfort in a skillet, it’s definitely One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice. Imagine juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, all smothered in a cascade of melty cheddar—every spoonful delivers homestyle flavor and creamy, cheesy satisfaction. The absolute best part? You only need one pan to make it happen, so cleanup is a breeze and there’s more time left for what really matters: diving into this cozy classic that truly feels like home.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised at how simple (and familiar!) the lineup for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is. Each ingredient brings its own magic, building layers of flavor and texture while keeping everything irresistibly easy to prepare.

• Chicken breasts: Opt for skinless, boneless pieces for speedy, even cooking—cutting them into bite-size chunks helps infuse flavor into every morsel.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli works best for a bright pop of green and a pleasant, just-tender bite, but frozen florets are a time-saving substitute.
• Long grain white rice: This variety cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the delicious juices in the pan, avoiding mushiness or stickiness.
• Cheddar cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds a tangy, creamy richness—don’t be shy about piling it on!
• Chicken broth: Swapping out water for broth makes the rice deeply savory and infuses everything with extra flavor.
• Onion and garlic: A classic aromatic combo that forms the foundation of savory warmth and depth throughout the dish.
• Butter: A little pat at the start adds richness and helps soften the onions, amping up the comforting factor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every bite—layer generously to taste as you go.
• Optional spices: A pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning can add a flavor twist if you’re in the mood to experiment!

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Aromatics

Start by melting a touch of butter in your favorite large skillet (the wider, the better—it gives everything room to cook gently). Add the chicken pieces and a hit of salt and pepper. Let them get some golden color, then toss in the onions and garlic so their flavors can mingle with the chicken and infuse the base of your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice with irresistible savory goodness.

Step 2: Add the Rice

Stir in the uncooked long grain white rice, letting it toast just briefly in all the flavorful juices that have collected in the pan. This step helps the rice soak up the taste of sautéed chicken and aromatics, setting the stage for phenomenal flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Pour in the Broth

Next up, pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the pan. This broth will work its magic, tenderizing the rice and ensuring every grain is steeped in supreme flavor as it cooks.

Step 4: Simmer and Add Broccoli

Cover the skillet and let it simmer. About 15 minutes in, when the rice is nearly cooked but still a bit al dente, scatter the broccoli florets evenly across the top. Cover again—this steams the broccoli to green perfection without needing a separate pot or pan.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Once the rice and broccoli are tender and almost all the liquid is absorbed, turn off the heat. Stir in most of the cheddar cheese until it melts throughout the pan, and then sprinkle the rest on top. Let everything sit covered for a couple minutes to get deliciously gooey. Now your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is ready to wow your dinner table!

How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Garnishes

Top your dish off with a final flourish of extra sharp cheddar, snipped chives, or a little fresh parsley for herby aroma and color. Cracked black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika adds a little visual drama and an enticing aroma.

Side Dishes

While One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice truly holds its own as a complete meal, it’s also lovely with a simple green salad, garlicky roasted carrots, or warm, crusty bread to mop up the cheesy goodness. These sides help round out the meal with a hint of freshness or crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the skillet for that “homey supper” vibe, or portion onto individual plates with a squeeze of fresh lemon for brightness. For entertaining, try spooning the dish into small oven-safe ramekins, sprinkle a touch more cheese, then broil until browned and bubbly—it makes an irresistible personal casserole!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any extra One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice into airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps wonderfully for up to three days, so you’re set for delicious lunches or speedy suppers all week long.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe bags or containers (make sure they’re flat for easy thawing!). The cheesy rice and chicken freeze well for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of extra chicken broth to loosen it up, or zap individual servings in the microwave. Give it a quick stir and add a little fresh cheese on top for extra gooeyness—it’s just as comforting the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

You can! Just remember that brown rice takes longer to cook and will need extra broth—plan to add about 15-20 more minutes of simmer time (and keep an eye on the liquid level as it goes).

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes—simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Bulk up the protein content by adding white beans or cubes of firm tofu, and the dish remains cozy and hearty.

Will frozen broccoli work?

Frozen broccoli is a convenient swap when you’re short on fresh produce. Toss it in straight from the freezer about 5 minutes before the rice is done, and it will steam up nicely in the pan.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Classic sharp cheddar is a favorite for its stretchy melt and bold flavor, but feel free to mix in a little mozzarella for even more stretch or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking?

Make sure to use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet with a fitting lid, and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a full boil. If needed, a little extra broth helps keep things moving and prevents sticking at the bottom.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table for seconds, One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is about to become your new go-to. It’s unfussy, comforting, and reliably delicious—give it a try and see just how easy homemade magic can be!

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