This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy melted cheese with nutritious broccoli, all in one pan. It’s a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe is an easy way to serve a wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of cheddar cheese and chicken creates a creamy, savory dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
8
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 cup uncooked basmati or long-grain rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 bag (12 oz) frozen steamable broccoli (about 2 cups chopped broccoli)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy melted cheese with nutritious broccoli, all in one pan. It’s a quick, family-friendly dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, this recipe is an easy way to serve a wholesome meal that’s packed with flavor. The combination of cheddar cheese and chicken creates a creamy, savory dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup uncooked basmati or long-grain rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen steamable broccoli (about 2 cups chopped broccoli)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is mostly cooked through. The chicken should be white on the outside but may still be slightly pink in the center.
- Drain Excess Liquid:
- Once the chicken is mostly cooked, drain any excess liquid or oil from the pan to avoid the dish becoming greasy.
- Add Rice and Broth:
- Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Cook the Broccoli:
- While the rice is cooking, steam the frozen broccoli in the microwave according to the package instructions. Once done, you can chop the broccoli into smaller pieces if preferred.
- Mix Broccoli and Cheese:
- Once the rice and chicken are cooked, stir in the steamed broccoli and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Top the dish with the remaining 1 cup of cheese and cover the skillet with the lid. Let it cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and gooey.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice immediately while it’s hot and melty. This dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or a crusty piece of bread.
Tips for Perfect One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice:
- Rice Selection: Basmati or long-grain rice works best for this recipe, as it stays fluffy and doesn’t become too sticky. Make sure not to overcook the rice to avoid a mushy texture.
- Chicken Substitutions: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken thighs for the chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that thighs take a bit longer to cook through, but they add extra flavor and juiciness.
- Cheese Variations: While cheddar cheese is classic for this recipe, you can also experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Boost: Add more vegetables like bell peppers or peas to increase the nutrient content and make the dish even more colorful and flavorful.
- Make it Creamier: For a creamier texture, stir in a couple of tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream when you add the broccoli.
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a convenient, delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or add more veggies to your family’s diet, all while keeping prep and cleanup to a minimum!
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