One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion
diced finely
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic
minced
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth)
(I like to use Better than Buillion Chicken base
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Directions
- 1
In a large skillet or pan, sauté onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- 2
Once onions soften, increase the heat to medium high and add chicken to the pan.
- 3
Brown the chicken pieces and add the garlic. Cook for about 1 more minute.
- 4
Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.
- 5
Add the uncooked rice in the olive oil and saute it for a couple of minutes.
- 6
Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
- 7
Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.
- 8
Sprinkle the broccoli evenly over the chicken and rice mixture and stir to combine.
- 9
Continue to cook covered another 8 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.
- 10
Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese.
- 11
Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover with a lid, letting it sit for 1-2 minutes or until cheese has melted.
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Similar Recipes
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/11703787_Easy-One-Pan-Cheeseburger-Rice_Peyton-Beckwith_4x3-0ca81b6fd8704374a3b8a4298b746c96.jpg)
Ratings & Reviews
Be the First to Rate
Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, cheesy dinner that requires minimal cleanup and comes together in a flash? This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe is your weeknight savior, delivering big flavors with incredible ease. It's the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a homemade meal without a pile of dishes.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of this recipe lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By cooking everything in a single pan, you infuse every bite of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender broccoli with rich, savory flavors. The generous topping of extra sharp cheddar cheese melts into a gooey blanket, ensuring each spoonful is deliciously creamy and satisfying. It’s a complete meal that truly lives up to its one-pan promise.
What to Expect
Prepare for a hearty and incredibly satisfying dish. You'll enjoy juicy, bite-sized pieces of chicken nestled among perfectly cooked, savory white rice. The broccoli florets add a welcome pop of vibrant color and a pleasant, slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender grains and meat. The star, of course, is the blanket of gooey, sharp cheddar cheese that ties all the elements together into a harmonious, comforting symphony of flavors. This is a robust and filling meal, designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Customization & Variations
You can easily tailor this cheesy chicken and rice dish to your family's preferences. For a different cheesy profile, try swapping the extra sharp cheddar for a milder cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of your favorite melty cheeses. While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you could use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor and even more tender results. Adjust the amount of broccoli to your liking, ensuring every bite is packed with your preferred ratio of ingredients.
Serving & Context
This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is ideal for a comforting family dinner on any busy weeknight. Serve it straight from the pan for an inviting, rustic presentation that highlights its effortless charm. No need for side dishes; it’s a complete and satisfying meal all on its own.