The “One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice” dish is a flavorful, hearty meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, all cooked together in a single pan. This recipe is particularly appealing for busy weeknights when time and energy are limited, offering a delicious homemade dinner without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

One-pan meals not only simplify the cooking process but also reduce cleanup time, making them ideal for families and individuals with hectic schedules. Additionally, this dish is packed with nutrients—lean protein from the chicken, vitamins and fiber from the broccoli, and calcium from the cheese—providing a balanced meal that satisfies both taste and nutritional needs. With this recipe, you can enjoy a comforting, home-cooked dinner with minimal effort, making it a perfect go-to option for any night of the week.

The Appeal of One-Pan Meals 

One-pan meals have become a popular choice for many home cooks due to their simplicity and convenience. The ease of preparation is a major draw, as all ingredients are cooked together in a single pan, reducing the need for multiple dishes and minimizing cleanup. This streamlined process not only saves time in the kitchen but also makes cooking less overwhelming, especially on busy nights.

The versatility of one-pan meals is another appealing factor. These dishes can be easily customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs by swapping out ingredients or adding personal favorites. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or experimenting with new flavors, one-pan recipes offer flexibility without compromising on taste.

Time-saving is perhaps the biggest advantage of one-pan meals. By cooking everything together, you can prepare a wholesome, balanced dinner in less time than it would take to cook each component separately. This makes one-pan dishes an ideal solution for those who want to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

Chicken Breasts
Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, making them a healthy choice for many dishes. They cook quickly and absorb flavors well, making them ideal for one-pan meals. Their high protein content supports muscle growth and repair, while being low in fat helps maintain a balanced diet.

Broccoli
Broccoli is a powerhouse of nutrients, rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. It contributes to heart health, supports the immune system, and promotes healthy digestion. In this dish, broccoli adds not only nutritional value but also a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.

Rice
Rice serves as the carbohydrate foundation of this meal, providing energy and helping to create a filling dish. Depending on your preference, you can use long-grain, brown, or jasmine rice. Brown rice offers more fiber and nutrients, while jasmine rice adds a fragrant touch. The rice absorbs the flavors of the chicken broth and seasonings, making it a flavorful and comforting component of the dish.

Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese brings richness and creaminess to the dish. It melts beautifully, creating a luscious, cheesy coating over the chicken, broccoli, and rice. Besides its delicious taste, cheddar cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle function.

Additional Ingredients
Olive oil, garlic, onion, and chicken broth round out the recipe, adding layers of flavor and depth. Olive oil is a healthy fat that enhances the dish’s texture, while garlic and onion provide a savory base. Chicken broth not only cooks the rice but also infuses the entire dish with a rich, savory flavor, tying all the ingredients together.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations 

Chicken:
If you prefer a richer flavor, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Thighs are juicier and have a slightly higher fat content, which can enhance the dish’s overall taste. They also remain tender during cooking, making them an excellent alternative.

Rice:
For a healthier twist, consider substituting white rice with quinoa or brown rice. Quinoa offers a boost of protein and fiber, while brown rice adds more nutrients and a chewier texture. If you’re looking to reduce carbs, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute that absorbs the dish’s flavors well.

Cheese:
While cheddar is a classic choice, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used for a milder, creamier taste. These cheeses melt well and create a gooey texture. For those avoiding dairy, vegan cheese options are available and can be used to maintain the cheesy element without compromising dietary preferences.

Broccoli:
If broccoli isn’t your favorite, you can easily replace it with other vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers. Cauliflower provides a similar texture, while zucchini adds a soft, mild flavor. Bell peppers contribute a sweet and slightly crunchy contrast, offering a colorful and tasty variation to the dish. These substitutions allow you to customize the meal based on what’s in season or personal preference.

Preparing the Ingredients

Start by washing and drying the chicken breasts and broccoli. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking. Next, chop the broccoli into small florets for quick cooking and easy mixing. Measure out the rice, typically one cup, depending on your preferred serving size. Mince the garlic and finely dice the onion for a flavorful base. Grate the cheddar cheese if using a block, or measure pre-shredded cheese. Finally, have the chicken broth ready for cooking the rice. Properly preparing these ingredients ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Browning the Chicken
Begin by heating a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast in a single layer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. The goal is to develop a nice, golden crust on the chicken while sealing in the juices. Once browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage as it will continue to cook later.

2. Sautéing the Rice for Added Flavor
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet. Stir the rice frequently, allowing it to lightly toast in the oil for about 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the rice, giving it a slightly nutty taste and helping it absorb the broth more effectively.

3. Cooking the Rice in Broth and Adding Broccoli Midway
After sautéing the rice, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the rice is submerged. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the rice cook for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, uncover the skillet and add the broccoli florets. Stir them into the rice, re-cover the skillet, and continue to cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, and the broccoli is cooked through but still crisp-tender.

4. Final Steps for Adding Cheese and Serving
Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, return the browned chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over the top, allowing it to melt naturally from the residual heat. You can also cover the skillet for a minute to help the cheese melt faster. Once the cheese is fully melted and the dish is creamy, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful meal straight from the pan.

Tips for Perfect Results 

Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Rice:
To achieve perfectly cooked rice, use the right rice-to-liquid ratio and keep the skillet covered while cooking to trap the steam. Avoid stirring too often, as this can release starch and make the rice mushy.

Achieving the Right Broccoli Texture:
Add the broccoli midway through the cooking process to ensure it becomes tender without losing its bright color and slight crunch. Overcooking can cause it to become mushy and lose its nutrients.

Adjusting for Different Stovetops:
For gas stoves, maintain a consistent medium-low heat to avoid burning. On electric stoves, be aware that they may hold heat longer, so consider reducing the heat slightly after the initial boiling phase.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Best Practices for Storing:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the dish in individual portions, ensuring it’s fully cooled before freezing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor.

Reheating Tips:
For best results, reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

Meal Prep Ideas:
Leftovers can be repurposed into a variety of meals, such as stuffing them into bell peppers for a baked dish, using them as a filling for wraps, or serving them over a fresh salad for a quick and easy lunch.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Suggested Side Dishes:
Pair this one-pan dish with a light, refreshing side like a mixed green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette can complement the cheesy texture.

Beverages:
A crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, pairs well, or opt for a sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Presentation Tips:
For a visually appealing meal, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve directly from the pan for a rustic feel, or plate individually for a more elegant presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. To ensure it cooks evenly, add it directly to the skillet without thawing, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

What type of rice works best?
Long-grain white rice is ideal for this dish, as it cooks evenly and remains fluffy. Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but it will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.

How can I make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like tofu. Adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked properly.

How do I prevent the rice from getting mushy?
To avoid mushy rice, ensure you use the correct rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid stirring too frequently during cooking. Keep the lid on the skillet to trap steam, and let the rice cook undisturbed until it’s tender.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

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• Author: Christine

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Description

This one-pan dish combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a complete meal cooked in a single pan, minimizing both prep time and cleanup. The flavors meld together beautifully, creating a comforting, nutritious dinner that’s sure to be a family favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil divided
• 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Start by sautéing onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

3. Once onions have started to soften, increase heat to medium-high and add chicken breast to pan.

4. Brown chicken breast pieces, then add minced garlic and cook for about 2 more minutes.

5. Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.

6. Saute uncooked rice in olive oil until rice starts to take on a golden color, 2-3 minutes.

7. Add chicken broth to pan, bring to a boil, and stir to combine.

8. Reduce heat to low and cover.

9. Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.

10. While chicken and rice are cooking, remove florets from broccoli, cutting into bite-sized pieces.

11. Stir in broccoli and continue cooking covered another 8 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.

12. Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese.

13. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, place cover back on the pan and let cheese melt, 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences. This recipe is versatile—experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or even proteins to suit your taste or dietary needs.