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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- In the same skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- 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.
- Gently distribute broccoli florets across the rice surface. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes, ensuring broccoli remains bright green and crisp-tender.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, gently folding ingredients together to distribute evenly and reheat chicken.
- 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.
- 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