The Heartiest One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Comfort meals don’t get much better than this delectable one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice creation that promises to satisfy every craving.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

This hearty dish combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese in a single skillet, making cooking and serving a breeze.

Protein-packed and creamy, the recipe delivers a perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and rich, savory goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Fresh ingredients and smart cooking techniques transform ordinary components into an extraordinary meal.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as hungry faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Variations to Try Soon

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-fat cheese like mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content.
• Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder. Include a dash of cumin for extra southwestern flavor.

Plating Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice for Family Meals

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the cheesy chicken dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
• Fresh Finish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions to add a bright, herbal note and beautiful color contrast.
• Spice Lovers' Twist: Drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little extra kick.

Storage Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled dish to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or water. Stir gently to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Cook until heated completely through.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just add it directly to the pan and adjust cooking time slightly, as frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, but you can also use brown rice. Just remember to increase the liquid and cooking time for brown rice.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra protein like diced ham, sliced sausage, or increasing the amount of chicken in the recipe.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and cheese labels to confirm no gluten-containing ingredients are present.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice – All in One Dish

• Simplify Dinner Prep: Enjoy a complete meal cooked in just one pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time after a busy day.
• Balanced Nutrition Boost: Combine lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice for a wholesome dish that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, with cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients everyone loves.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for families with packed schedules and limited cooking time.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bowl

• Chicken Breasts: Lean white meat that provides the main protein for the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the meal.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that build a rich, deep flavor foundation for the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil used for sautéing and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and adds extra savory flavor to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty dairy ingredient that creates a creamy, rich topping for the one-pan meal.
• Rice: Starchy grain that serves as the hearty base of the recipe and absorbs the surrounding flavors.

Directions for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss diced chicken breasts into the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown exterior and is cooked through.

Step 2: Create Aromatic Base

Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, releasing their delightful aroma.

Step 3: Cook Rice and Build Flavor

Add uncooked rice to the pan, stirring to coat with the onion and garlic mixture.

Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer until it’s almost fully cooked.

Step 4: Introduce Broccoli and Reunite Chicken

Scatter broccoli florets across the rice and gently place the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Continue cooking until the broccoli becomes bright green and tender, with a slight crispness.

Step 5: Melt Cheese for Creamy Finish

Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the dish.

Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt completely, creating a luscious, gooey coating.

Step 6: Plate and Serve

Scoop the cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice directly from the skillet onto plates.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling with irresistible cheesy goodness.

Tips for Cheesy, Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice

• Replace chicken with tofu, shrimp, or lean ground turkey for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant diners.
• Enhance the dish's depth by adding dried herbs like thyme or rosemary during rice cooking for extra aromatic complexity.
• Steam broccoli separately briefly to maintain vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutritional value and texture.
• Mix in additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase vitamins and create more colorful, nutrient-dense meal.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice brings classic flavors together in a delightful dinner solution. Quick preparation and minimal cleanup make this hearty meal perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying midweek dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 cups (300g) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (200g) white rice
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Liquid and Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups (600ml) chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup (25g) parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Warm a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil as the cooking medium.
2. Carefully place seasoned chicken pieces into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown exterior and crisp texture.
3. Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, preserving its juiciness.
4. In the identical skillet, gently sweat diced onions and minced garlic until their aromatic essence permeates the kitchen.
5. Introduce uncooked rice to the fragrant base, stirring to coat each grain with the savory foundation.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil.
7. Reduce heat, secure a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to simmer quietly for approximately 15 minutes.
8. Nestle vibrant broccoli florets and reserved chicken back into the pan, ensuring even distribution.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes, monitoring until broccoli achieves a tender-crisp consistency.
10. Generously cascade shredded cheddar across the dish’s surface, covering briefly to encourage complete cheese melting.
11. Remove from heat and let the residual warmth finish the final melding of flavors.
12. Serve immediately while the dish radiates appetizing warmth and cheesy allure.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with tofu, turkey, or shrimp for dietary variety.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
• Enhance nutritional value by using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and nutrients.
• Opt for sharp cheddar or mix cheese types like mozzarella and parmesan for more complex flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg