Easy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli Recipe
This Easy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli recipe is a comforting and delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes. Featuring tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese all cooked together in one pot, this dish is perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pound chicken breast, cut into one-inch pieces
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Staples and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups uncooked extra long grain white rice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once shimmering, add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional one minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and water. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low to allow it to simmer gently.
- Cook Partially: Cook for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Add Broccoli: Remove the lid and stir in the broccoli pieces. Cover again and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still vibrant.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese on top, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken rice and broccoli warm, garnished if desired. Enjoy your hearty and comforting one-pot meal!
Notes
- You can swap out the white rice for brown or wild rice; however, you may need to adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika when seasoning the chicken.
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
