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.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
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Start by sautéing onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
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Season chicken with salt and pepper.
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Once onions have started to soften, increase heat to medium-high and add chicken breast to pan.
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Brown chicken breast pieces, then add minced garlic and cook for about 2 more minutes.
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Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.
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Saute uncooked rice in olive oil until rice starts to take on a golden color, 2-3 minutes.
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Add chicken broth to pan, bring to a boil, and stir to combine.
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Reduce heat to low and cover.
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Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.
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While chicken and rice are cooking, remove florets from broccoli, cutting into bite-sized pieces.
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Stir in broccoli and continue cooking covered another 8 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.
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Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese.
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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.