One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli Recipe
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Rice and Broccoli is a quick, easy, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese blend perfectly with fluffy rice in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a delicious and satisfying dish packed with protein and veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein and Veggies
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, cut into one-inch pieces
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 cups broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pantry Items
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot with the onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rice and Liquids: To the pot, add the uncooked rice, chicken broth, and water. Stir to combine evenly. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low.
- Initial Simmer: Cook on low heat for 15 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.
- Add Broccoli: Remove the lid and stir in the broccoli pieces. Cover again and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked but still crisp.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melty and smooth.
- Finish with Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Cover the pot again and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken, rice, and broccoli warm, straight from the pot for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- You can swap out the white rice for brown or wild rice, but you may need to adjust cooking times accordingly.
- For a lower fat version, reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower-fat cheese alternative.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots for variety.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content if desired.
