If you're looking for a quick, tasty, and family-friendly meal, look no further than this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe. It’s a comfort food classic that delivers a hearty meal with minimal cleanup, thanks to its one-pan preparation. Plus, with its creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it's sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Read on to discover how to make this mouthwatering dish and impress your loved ones at dinner tonight!
What is One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice?
This recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and tender broccoli, all brought together in a luscious, cheesy sauce. It’s the ideal dish for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. By using just one pan, you save time on prep and cleanup while still achieving maximum flavor.
Ingredients List for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious recipe:
- Chicken Breasts (or thighs): 2 medium-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Broccoli: 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available.
- Rice: 1 cup of long-grain white rice. You could also substitute with brown rice or a different grain, but cooking times may vary.
- Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups of chicken broth to cook the rice and infuse it with flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar adds the most flavor, but mild cheddar or a blend of cheeses will work too.
- Onion: 1 small onion, diced finely.
- Garlic: 2 cloves of minced garlic to add a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons for sautéing and adding richness.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to cook the chicken and keep it tender.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning the chicken and other ingredients.
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon for added warmth and depth of flavor.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup for making the dish extra creamy. This is optional but recommended for the ultimate cheesy sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
While the traditional One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is delicious as-is, there are many ways you can customize it to fit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Chicken Substitutes: If you don’t have chicken on hand, turkey or pork can work just as well. For a vegetarian option, substitute with chickpeas or tofu.
- Broccoli Alternatives: If you're not a fan of broccoli or want some variety, you can replace it with other veggies like spinach, peas, or cauliflower.
- Rice Variations: You can switch out white rice for brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Keep in mind that cooking times and liquid quantities may need adjustment.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, skip the heavy cream and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. Coconut milk or almond milk could also be used for the creamy texture.
- Extra Flavor: Add a kick by mixing in some red pepper flakes, or throw in your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano for an herby note.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is easy to follow and takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Here’s how to prepare it step-by-step:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, chopping the broccoli into small florets, dicing the onion, and mincing the garlic.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: In the same pan, add the butter and sauté the onions until translucent (about 3 minutes). Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice, letting it absorb the flavors for about 1-2 minutes. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s almost cooked through but still slightly firm.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the rice is fully tender and the broccoli is cooked but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Return the Chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan along with any juices it may have released.
- Add the Cheese and Cream: Stir in the shredded cheese and heavy cream (if using), stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a rich, creamy sauce that coats the rice, chicken, and broccoli.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Serve: Once everything is heated through and creamy, your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is ready to serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When cooking this dish, a few common mistakes can arise. Here’s how to avoid them for the best results:
- Overcooking the Chicken: Make sure not to overcook the chicken when sautéing, as it will become dry. Cook until just browned, then remove it to finish cooking later in the dish.
- Burning the Rice: Keep the heat low once the rice is added. Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Overcooking Broccoli: Add the broccoli toward the end of cooking so it remains slightly crisp and doesn’t turn mushy.
- Not Adding Enough Liquid: Ensure you have enough chicken broth to fully cook the rice. If it looks too dry, you can add an extra splash of water or broth.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making your dish even more appetizing. Here are some tips on how to serve and present your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top for a pop of color and freshness.
- Cheese Topping: Before serving, consider adding an extra sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. Pop the pan under the broiler for a few minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A light, crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the dish.
- Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add a burst of citrus, which helps cut through the richness of the cheese and cream.
How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
You can serve this dish straight from the pan to keep the rustic, cozy feel. It’s perfect for a casual family dinner, and the simplicity of one pan makes cleanup a breeze. If you're serving guests, consider transferring the dish to a decorative serving bowl and pairing it with fresh bread or garlic knots for a more elegant presentation.
Presentation Ideas for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Want to elevate the look of this comfort food dish? Try these presentation ideas:
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Cooking and serving in a cast iron skillet adds a rustic charm and keeps the dish warm longer.
- Individual Portions: Serve the dish in small, individual ramekins for a more personalized touch.
- Garnish with Microgreens: Add a modern twist by garnishing with microgreens or arugula for an extra pop of color and texture.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe Tips
- Cook the Rice Just Right: Ensure the rice is tender but not overcooked. If you’re using a different type of rice like brown rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Get Creative with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily, making it perfect for meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli can be used, but it’s best to thaw it first and drain any excess water to avoid adding extra moisture to the dish.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook the entire dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or on the stove for best results.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the pan, cover with a lid, and heat on low until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the texture of the broccoli may soften more.
Conclusion
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a simple yet flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, delicious meal with minimal effort and cleanup. With its tender chicken, cheesy rice, and vibrant broccoli, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you're making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So why not give it a try tonight? Happy cooking!
PrintOne Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe
This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese into a satisfying meal made all in one pan. A perfect comfort food dish that saves time and reduces cleanup, this recipe delivers delicious flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté diced onions and garlic until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in rice and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
- Return the chicken breasts to the pan, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Add broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Once cooked, sprinkle cheddar cheese over the chicken and rice, cover again to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, use sharp cheddar cheese.
- You can substitute brown rice, but cooking time will need to be adjusted.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with rice and broccoli
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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