Name: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small, bite-sized pieces); 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 cup uncooked basmati rice OR long-grain rice; 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 bag (12 oz) frozen steamable broccoli (about 2 cups chopped broccoli); 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

If you’re on the hunt for a fast, comforting meal that satisfies every craving and uses just one skillet, you’re in for a treat with One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. This crowd-pleaser is a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl, featuring juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blanket of gooey cheddar. Best of all, everything comes together in less than half an hour with minimal cleanup. It’s simply the kind of weeknight dinner you’ll return to again and again!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice shines because you need only a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one packs a punch. They come together to create layers of flavor and the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy, savory, and fresh. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to the chicken and helps everything brown beautifully in the skillet.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein here, they cook quickly and stay tender, absorbing all those savory flavors.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and brightening all the other flavors.
Pepper: Gives a gentle kick and balances the richness of the dish.
Basmati or long-grain rice: Delivers fluffy, separated grains that soak up the chicken broth while keeping the texture spot-on.
Chicken broth: Infuses the rice with savory depth and brings every bite to life—use full-salt for extra flavor or low-sodium to control saltiness.
Frozen steamable broccoli: Makes prep a breeze and provides bright color and that classic broccoli flavor we all love.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The magic that brings this meal together, melting into creamy pockets and crowning the skillet with a bubbly cheesy layer.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by heating up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in your bite-sized chicken pieces, along with a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir frequently as the chicken cooks for about 4 to 6 minutes, just until the outside turns white but the inside is still slightly pink—this helps lock in moisture without overcooking.

Step 2: Drain the Pan

Once your chicken is mostly cooked through, you’ll likely see some extra liquid or oil in the skillet. Go ahead and drain that off—this keeps your rice fluffy instead of soggy and helps concentrate the flavors for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Pour in your uncooked rice and chicken broth. Give it a little stir to combine and then crank up the heat until the broth comes to a boil. Once you see those steady bubbles, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let everything simmer together for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up all the savory broth.

Step 4: Prepare the Broccoli

While your rice and chicken simmer away, pop your bag of frozen, steamable broccoli in the microwave and cook it according to the package instructions. If you want your broccoli in smaller pieces, give it a quick chop when it’s done steaming. This trick doesn’t just save time—it preserves the bright color and texture of the broccoli for that classic pop in every forkful.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli and Cheese

Once your rice is done cooking, it’s time for the fun part: stir in the cooked broccoli and half of your shredded cheddar cheese directly into the skillet. Mix everything until you’ve got a cheesy, creamy filling with pops of green broccoli throughout.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the skillet, place the lid back on, and let it sit over low heat for another 2 minutes. The cheese will melt into an irresistible blanket that makes each bite ultra-gooey and delicious. Serve your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice while it’s piping hot!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a finishing touch! A sprinkle of extra shredded cheese or a dusting of freshly ground black pepper really brings out the best in this dish. For a burst of color and freshness, you can top it with chopped parsley or sliced green onions. A squeeze of fresh lemon also adds brightness to balance the richness.

Side Dishes

Honestly, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to make it special, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread. A simple fruit salad or sliced tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt offer a fresh counterpoint and keep the meal light and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra fun (especially if you’re serving kids or guests), scoop the cheesy chicken broccoli rice into hollowed-out bell peppers or individual casserole dishes. You can also serve it family-style right from the skillet for that cozy, rustic feel. For gatherings, top each portion with a tiny flag or herb sprig to make your presentation feel festive and thoughtful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers—lucky you! Let the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll keep happily in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or a second easy dinner.

Freezing

This dish actually freezes quite well. Once cooled, portion it into airtight freezer containers, label, and stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a fast, homemade meal, just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm up larger amounts in a covered skillet over low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems dry—the rice will absorb a bit of liquid as it sits. Give it a stir and add a fresh sprinkle of cheese to revive that gooey goodness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just steam or quickly blanch fresh broccoli florets until tender, then chop and stir them in as directed. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked broccoli for this recipe.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar is classic here thanks to its bold flavor and meltability, but feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or pepper jack for a little heat and variety—or mix them together for an extra cheesy experience!

How can I make this dish spicier?

To give your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice a punch, stir in some diced jalapenos or sprinkle in chili powder or cayenne pepper. Pepper jack cheese is also a flavorful, spicy substitute for cheddar.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Just skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can toss in extra broccoli or add in some sautéed mushrooms or canned chickpeas for a meatless twist.

Can I prep this ahead for meal planning?

Definitely. Prepare the recipe as written and portion it out into containers. It reheats beautifully for lunches and dinners throughout the week—making One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice a winning option for busy schedules.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice absolutely deserves a spot on your regular dinner rotation. The flavors and creamy textures are sure to wow everyone at your table—so why not give it a try tonight?