Savory One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Crafting a delightful one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice meal can transform your weeknight dinner routine into a stress-free culinary adventure.

Comfort meets convenience in this single-skillet wonder that packs serious flavor without creating mountains of dirty dishes.

Imagine tender chicken nestled among bright green broccoli florets, all wrapped in a creamy, golden cheese blanket.

Perfectly seasoned rice forms the delicious foundation, absorbing every savory drop of goodness.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and rich, melted cheese that feels like a warm hug.

Minimal prep and quick cooking make this recipe a champion for busy home cooks seeking maximum taste with minimal effort.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will request again and again.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice, A Simple Classic

• Tackle Dinner Quickly: Prepare a complete meal in just one skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious kitchen time.
• Nutrition Packed Powerhouse: Combine lean protein from chicken, wholesome rice, and nutrient-rich broccoli in a single delicious dish that satisfies multiple food groups.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Creamy, cheesy, and full of familiar flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Customizable Comfort: Easily swap ingredients or add personal touches like different cheese varieties or extra spices to match your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients For One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the one-pan meal.
• Rice: A classic grain that creates a fluffy and filling foundation for the dish.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable that adds nutritional value and fresh flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and enhances overall flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a deep and savory flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's taste and add subtle warmth.

• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the rice and overall dish.

How To Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Soften Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté the ingredients until they become translucent and fragrant, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Cook The Rice

Pour rice and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil.

Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid and becomes tender.

Step 4: Add Broccoli

Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet.

Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to become bright green and slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine And Cheese

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir to combine all ingredients.

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until it becomes gooey and covers the dish.

Step 6: Serve And Savor

Dish out the one-pan meal while it’s hot and enjoy the delicious combination of chicken, rice, broccoli, and melted cheese.

Tips To Make This One Pan Dish Perfect

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version of this one-pan meal.
• Opt for brown rice instead of white rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Grate fresh cheddar cheese directly on top for maximum melting and better flavor distribution.
• Season chicken with different spice blends like Italian herbs or Cajun seasoning to change up the taste profile.
• Use frozen broccoli if fresh is unavailable, but thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the skillet.

Variations To Explore With One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, using vegetable broth for added flavor and maintaining the same cooking method.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
• Spicy Southwest Version: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning on chicken for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Use quinoa instead of rice, add Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil, and top with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

Presentation Suggestions For One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice

• Family Dinner Champion: Create a complete meal by serving this dish with a light garden salad and crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion the chicken, broccoli, and rice into meal prep containers for easy lunch options throughout the week, keeping everything fresh and delicious.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Leftover Transformation: Turn any remaining casserole into a delightful wrap the next day by adding the mixture to a warm tortilla with extra cheese for a quick and tasty lunch option.

Storing One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Properly

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the one-pan meal in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the chicken and rice separate from the cheese topping for best texture.
• For freezing, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container without the cheese, which can separate when thawed. Freeze for up to 2 months.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the skillet and adjust cooking time slightly. Thaw and drain excess water before adding to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have chicken broth?

You can substitute chicken broth with water, but add a bouillon cube or additional seasonings to enhance flavor. Vegetable broth works well too.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free chicken broth. Always check ingredient labels to confirm, especially with pre-packaged broths or seasonings.

Quick and Creamy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Satisfying one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice delivers comfort in a single skillet. Quick preparation meets wholesome ingredients for a delightful family meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups broccoli florets

Grains, Liquids, and Cheese:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in a hot skillet with olive oil at medium heat, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, add rice, and stir thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice absorbs liquid and becomes tender.
4. Gently distribute broccoli florets across the rice surface. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes, ensuring broccoli remains bright green and crisp-tender.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding ingredients together to distribute evenly and reheat chicken.
6. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the entire dish. Cover and allow cheese to melt completely, creating a creamy, golden surface, approximately 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and let stand for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set before serving hot.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, perfect for heart-healthy diets.
• Maximize meal prep by chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients beforehand, ensuring a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
• Enhance flavor complexity by experimenting with different cheese varieties like sharp white cheddar or smoked gouda for a gourmet twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg