One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is the epitome of comfort food in a single dish. It’s a tender medley of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Each bite brings a fabulous combination of flavors and textures, making it a delightful experience for both family dinners and casual gatherings. The best part? It all comes together in just one pan, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a regular in your kitchen rotation.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when my family was craving something hearty yet simple. I wanted to whip up a dinner that would please everyone without taking too long in the kitchen. This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice turned out to be a lifesaver! It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser, perfect for those lazy nights when you just want to curl up with a comforting meal. With its easy steps and satisfying flavors, this dish might just become your favorite, too.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Irresistible Flavor: A creamy, cheesy combination that kids and adults adore.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant green of broccoli against the melted cheese is a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Great for family meals or cozy potlucks — everyone will ask for seconds!
Diet-Friendly Options: With a few swaps, this dish can be made gluten-free or lower in calories.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and helps in sautéing the ingredients. For a different flavor, avocado oil works well too.
1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Onions provide a sweet base flavor. You can substitute with shallots for a milder taste.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Chicken gives a hearty protein element. Alternatives include boneless thighs or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic brings aromatic depth. Feel free to increase the amount for a bolder flavor.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Basic seasoning enhances all the other flavors. Sea salt can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Adds a subtle heat; consider using white pepper for a more delicate flavor.
1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: Long grain rice stays fluffy and holds its texture well. Jasmine or basmati rice would also be excellent options.
1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli contributes crunch and nutrition. Frozen broccoli can work, but fresh brings a better texture.
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness while still boosting the flavor. Vegetable broth is a perfect substitute for a vegetarian dish.
1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: Offers a rich, cheesy taste that melts beautifully. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for variety.

How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Sauté Onions: Start by heating 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes. You’ll love the fragrant aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, season 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper. Once the onions are soft, increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan. Cook until the chicken pieces are browned and cooked through, roughly 6-7 minutes.

Add Garlic: Next, stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the chicken is completely cooked. This will add a wonderful depth to your dish.

Toast Rice: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space. Then, add 1 cup of uncooked extra long grain white rice to the pan, stirring it around until it’s coated in the oil. Continue to sauté the rice until it turns a lovely golden color, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, gently stirring to combine everything nicely. The broth will infuse the rice with rich flavor as it cooks.

Cover & Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for about 12 minutes. This method helps the rice absorb all the flavors and become perfectly tender.

Prepare Broccoli: While the chicken and rice cook, take a large bunch of fresh broccoli and chop it into bite-sized florets. It adds both color and nutrition—this will also help you avoid overcooked broccoli later on.

Add Broccoli: After 12 minutes, carefully stir in the broccoli and cover the pan again. Continue cooking for another 8 minutes on low heat until both the broccoli and rice are tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Incorporate Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1/2 cup of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, giving it a good mix to melt and combine with the chicken and rice. For that irresistible cheesy topping, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet once more and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt beautifully. That gooey layer of cheese makes it all the more enjoyable!

Storing & Reheating

To store, let your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave for about 2-3 minutes or heat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to refresh the moisture. While the texture may slightly change after freezing, it still retains that comforting flavor.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken by cutting it into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Make sure your olive oil is hot before adding the chicken — this helps to seal in moisture.
Keep an eye on your rice! If it starts soaking up the broth too quickly, add a bit more to avoid burning.
Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process for the best results.
Consider garnishing your dish with parsley or green onions for a fresh finish and additional color.
This dish can easily be tweaked with spices or herbs to match your preference, whether you like it spicy or savory.

This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is not just an easy weeknight dinner, but it combines simplicity with deliciousness — a match made in culinary heaven! There’s something so satisfying about knowing you’ve created a wholesome dish that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the ingredients, and feel free to get creative with your cheese selections! After all, cooking is all about making it your own.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require more cooking time and additional liquid. Brown rice typically takes about 20-25 minutes to cook, so adjust the broth accordingly and keep the pan covered until tender.

What if I don’t have chicken breasts?

No problem! You can substitute with boneless thighs, which are equally delicious, or even shrimp if you prefer a different protein. For a vegetarian option, firm tofu diced into cubes works wonderfully.

How do I store leftovers for later?

Once cooled, place your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice in an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember, the texture may change slightly once reheated!

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Just remember to adjust the cooking times slightly based on how quickly they cook to ensure everything is tender and delicious.