One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Looking for a delicious, hearty meal that requires minimal effort and cleanup? This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something comforting and satisfying. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese all come together in one pan, making this dish not only simple to prepare but also full of flavor.

With basic ingredients and a one-pan method, this recipe is ideal when you want to make a wholesome, filling dinner without spending too much time in the kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe!

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What is One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice?

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal where chicken is cooked with rice, broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The dish starts with seared chicken and sautéed vegetables, followed by rice that’s cooked right in the same pan for easy cleanup. Everything is then topped with gooey melted cheese for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients List for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice:

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor and color)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 ½ cups frozen, thawed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheesy Topping:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese blend of your choice)
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes for a little heat

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways to customize this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or swap for ground chicken or turkey. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut.
• Rice: Feel free to substitute white rice with brown rice, but note that it will take longer to cook. You can also use quinoa for a healthier option.
• Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but you can also use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
• Broccoli: Substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like peas, green beans, or bell peppers. You can also use a frozen vegetable medley if that’s more convenient.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice in no time!

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point—it will finish cooking with the rice.

2. Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook the Rice

Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, stirring for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the grains. Then, pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (this adds extra flavor). Add the paprika, dried thyme (or Italian seasoning), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

4. Add the Chicken and Simmer

Return the seared chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice mixture. Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook for 12-15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is almost fully cooked.

5. Add the Broccoli

Scatter the broccoli florets over the top of the chicken and rice. Cover the pan again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

6. Add the Cheese and Melt

Once the broccoli is tender and the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. If you prefer a golden-brown top, you can transfer the pan to the oven and broil it for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice hot, straight from the skillet!

How to Cook One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to cook One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice:

1. Season and Sear Chicken: Brown the chicken in olive oil and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook onions and garlic until softened and fragrant.
3. Cook Rice: Stir in the rice and toast briefly, then add chicken broth, seasonings, and chicken.
4. Simmer: Simmer covered until the rice is almost fully cooked.
5. Add Broccoli: Scatter broccoli over the rice, cover, and cook until tender.
6. Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheese, cover, and melt. Optional: broil for a golden-brown top.
7. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making this dish:

1. Not Browning the Chicken: Browning the chicken adds extra flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step!
2. Overcooking the Chicken: Only sear the chicken for a few minutes to get some color. It will finish cooking with the rice.
3. Not Toasting the Rice: Toasting the rice for a minute or two helps develop flavor and keeps the rice from getting too mushy.
4. Overcooking the Broccoli: Add the broccoli toward the end of cooking to keep it from getting mushy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here’s how to serve and present your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice for a beautiful and appetizing meal:

How to Serve One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

• Family-Style: Serve the dish straight from the pan for a rustic, family-style meal. Let everyone help themselves!
• With a Side Salad: Pair with a light green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad to balance out the richness of the dish.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to scoop up the cheesy goodness.

Presentation Ideas for One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

• Garnish Generously: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for color and freshness.
• Use a Cast Iron Skillet: If you have a cast iron skillet, cook and serve the dish in it for a beautiful presentation. It retains heat well, keeping the dish warm at the table.
• Individual Bowls: For a more elegant presentation, serve individual portions in bowls with extra cheese sprinkled on top.

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe Tips

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melt, shred your cheese fresh from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Customize the Heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat if you like spicier dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish with brown rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice will take longer to cook—typically around 35-40 minutes. You may need to add extra chicken broth to ensure the rice cooks through.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Once cooked, let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: What other cheeses can I use?
A: You can use a variety of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe is a simple, comforting meal that comes together quickly in one pan. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, nutritious broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables, seasonings, and cheeses. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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