Hey y’all! If you’re craving a cozy family dinner that’s both cheesy and satisfying, this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice will quickly become your go-to. It combines juicy chicken pieces, tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a blanket of melty cheese—all cooked in one pan for ultimate convenience. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or effortless meal prep. Ready to tackle dinner and have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Easy clean-up since everything cooks in just one pan.
- Perfectly balanced: creamy, cheesy, and loaded with protein and veggies.
- Kid-friendly flavors and textures that even picky eaters enjoy.
- Customizable with your favorite spices, veggies, or cheeses.
- Great for meal prep and leftovers taste just as good!
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Directions for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep sauté pan (with lid) over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Transfer chicken to a plate (it doesn’t need to be cooked through yet).
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Toast Rice
- Add diced onion to the same pan. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, coating the grains with oil and toasting lightly (this adds a nutty flavor).
Step 3: Simmer with Broccoli
- Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits.
- Return chicken (plus juices) to the pan. Stir in broccoli florets.
- Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and cook for 17-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Make It Cheesy!
- Remove lid and gently fluff the mixture. Stir in sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheddar until creamy.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese evenly on top. Cover for 1-2 minutes until melty. Garnish as desired before serving.
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- If using frozen broccoli, add halfway through rice cooking to avoid overcooking.
- For extra creaminess, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- For rice cooking tips and alternatives, check out this rice guide.
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Variations
- Spicy Tex-Mex: Add 1 teaspoon chili powder and swap cheddar for Pepper Jack. Top with salsa before serving.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Mushroom & Swiss: Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with onion and use Swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
Required Equipment for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Large skillet or sauté pan with lid (12-inch preferred)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy texture may change, but it can be frozen for up to 2 months if needed.
Serving Recommendations for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Pair with a tangy side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Perfect with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.
Pro Tips for Best One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- For maximum flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded.
- Keep the pan covered during simmering to ensure even rice cooking.
- Learn more about maximizing one-pan flavor at Bon Appétit’s one-pan dinner guide.
FAQ: One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
- Can I use brown rice instead of white?
- Yes, but increase broth to 2 3/4 cups and simmer for 35-40 minutes as brown rice takes longer to cook and absorb liquid.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prep it up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before serving for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and cheese. For more gluten-free cooking tips, see this guide on EatingWell.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
-
1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned.
-
2Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
-
3Stir in the white rice, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
-
4Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Allow the rice and chicken to cook for about 15 minutes.
-
5Add broccoli florets, stir gently, and cover again. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green.
-
6Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. Cover and let stand for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted. Serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!
