One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe
This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice all cooked together in one skillet. The dish is enriched with sharp cheddar cheese, adding creamy, savory flavor throughout. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a wholesome family dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and cook until they soften and become translucent.
- Season Chicken: While onions are cooking, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Brown Chicken & Add Garlic: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 more minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Olive Oil & Rice: Push the chicken and onions to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side. Add the uncooked rice and sauté in the oil for 2 minutes to lightly toast it, enhancing its flavor.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat to a simmer. Cover the pan with a lid.
- Cook Covered: Let the chicken and rice cook together covered for about 12 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and cook through.
- Add Broccoli: Evenly sprinkle the broccoli florets over the rice and chicken mixture. Stir gently to mix the broccoli in.
- Cook Until Tender: Cover the pan again and continue cooking on low heat for another 8 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture, allowing it to melt evenly throughout.
- Finish with More Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the skillet contents. Cover with the lid and let it sit for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts completely, creating a cheesy topping.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels but feel free to adjust seasoning to taste.
- For added flavor, use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese as the recipe suggests.
- Make sure to cut chicken and broccoli into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- If preferred, substitute white rice with brown rice, but increase cooking time accordingly.
- Covering the pan throughout cooking helps steam the broccoli and cook the rice properly.
