Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that can be prepared in just one pan? This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights! It's a wholesome dish packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and loads of cheesy goodness—all cooked together in one pan, which means minimal cleanup. Whether you're cooking for a family or just want a comforting meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. Read on to discover the step-by-step guide to making this flavorful dish, along with helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
What is One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice?
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken, tender rice, fresh broccoli, and melty cheese, all cooked together in a single skillet or pan. This dish is both filling and nutritious, with lean protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and the rich, comforting flavor of cheese bringing everything together. The best part? Everything cooks in one pan, making this recipe incredibly convenient and perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it's easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs!
Ingredients List for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the chicken and preventing sticking.
- 1 small onion, diced – Adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a flavorful base for the dish.
- 1 cup long-grain white rice – The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors as it cooks.
- 2 cups chicken broth – Helps cook the rice and adds depth to the dish.
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen broccoli works great in this recipe.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Provides a rich, cheesy flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk) – Adds creaminess to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper – For a slight kick of heat.
- Optional: Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish – Adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Cheese: If you're not a fan of cheddar, feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Rice: You can substitute white rice with brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook, so you may need to add more broth and adjust the cooking time.
- Broccoli Alternatives: If you don’t have broccoli on hand, other vegetables like spinach, green beans, or peas work just as well.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version. Just reduce the amount of broth and adjust the cooking time since cauliflower rice cooks faster.
- Spicy Variation: For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for some heat.
- Dairy-Free: You can make this dish dairy-free by using a plant-based milk (like almond or coconut milk) and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Heat the pan: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.
- Cook the chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pan, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the rice: Stir the rice into the onion and garlic mixture, allowing it to toast for 1-2 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Pour in the broth: Slowly add the chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid.
- Simmer the rice: Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the broth. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Add the broccoli: Once the rice is almost cooked, stir in the broccoli florets. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and bright green.
- Stir in the cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the shredded cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy and cheesy.
- Add the chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to combine everything. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
How to Cook One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your chicken, dicing onions, mincing garlic, and cutting the broccoli into florets. This will make the cooking process smoother and faster.
- Cook Chicken First: Browning the chicken in the pan first adds flavor and ensures that it stays juicy when combined with the rice and cheese later.
- Toast the Rice: Briefly toasting the rice before adding the broth helps prevent it from becoming mushy and gives the dish a subtle, nutty flavor.
- Simmer Slowly: When cooking the rice, keep the heat low and the pan covered to ensure the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the broth.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Adding the broccoli towards the end of the cooking process keeps it tender-crisp and vibrant. Overcooking the broccoli can result in a mushy texture and dull color.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Make sure your pan is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. If the pan is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of browning.
- Overcooking the rice: Keep a close eye on the rice as it cooks. Overcooking will make the rice mushy, so it's important to remove it from the heat once it's tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Not seasoning the chicken: Be sure to season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor.
- Undercooking the broccoli: Avoid adding the broccoli too early, or it will become mushy. Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking for the perfect tender-crisp texture.
- Skipping the cheese: The cheese is what ties the whole dish together, so don’t skimp on it! Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Garnish with herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with a side salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of this dish.
- Add a side of bread: Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can be served on the side to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.
- Meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Portion the dish into individual containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Family-Style: Serve straight from the pan for a casual, comforting family meal. Simply place the pan in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves.
- Individual Portions: For a more polished presentation, spoon the chicken, rice, and broccoli onto individual plates and garnish each serving with fresh herbs or a little extra cheese.
- Leftover Lunches: This dish reheats beautifully, so pack up any leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy a delicious, easy lunch the next day.
Presentation Ideas for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Serve in a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic, homestyle presentation, serve the dish directly from a cast-iron skillet. It keeps the food warm and looks great on the dinner table.
- Top with Extra Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top and let it melt slightly for an even cheesier finish.
- Brighten with Citrus: A wedge of lemon on the side can add a refreshing brightness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe Tips
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, shred your own cheese.
- Adjust the Broth: If you find that the rice isn’t fully cooked after the broth has absorbed, add a splash of water or broth and continue cooking until the rice is tender.
- Add Extra Veggies: If you want to pack in more veggies, you can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Be patient when cooking the rice. Keeping the heat low and covering the pan allows the rice to cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just add it directly to the pan without thawing, and it will cook perfectly in the dish. - Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you'll need to increase the cooking time and possibly add more liquid. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be made ahead and reheated. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the cheese and cream with dairy-free alternatives. Use plant-based cheese and milk like almond or coconut milk for a dairy-free version. - How can I add more flavor?
To boost the flavor, you can season the chicken with additional spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning before cooking.
Conclusion
This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is the perfect all-in-one meal for busy nights. It’s packed with tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice, all made in a single pan for easy cleanup. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, allowing you to adjust ingredients to fit your preferences. With a little prep and a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
PrintOne Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe
This one-pan cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice recipe is a perfect weeknight meal. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese, it's a comforting and hearty dish that's easy to make and even easier to clean up!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add cubed chicken, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes until soft.
- Add rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add broccoli florets on top of the rice, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir the chicken back into the skillet, then sprinkle cheese on top. Cover until the cheese is melted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of milk or cream before adding the cheese.
- You can use brown rice, but increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers for more flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
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