Name: One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Chicken breast; 1 cup Rice; 2 cups Broccoli florets; 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup Chicken broth; 0.5 cup Milk

What’s a recipe that has saved my sanity more times than I can count? One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Is it like mac and cheese had a glow-up, got protein boost, and decided to be complete meal all the same? What is the point of boxed dinners? If you love comfort food, but you’re also trying to sneak in some veggies and keep things relatively simple. What is the best dish to make? I swear, even the pickiest eaters in my family devour it. Is this recipe easy to make?

What is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?

Think of it as the ultimate lazy-night dinner. What’s essentially a creamy, cheesy rice dish loaded with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli? What are the best ways to cook a chicken in one pot? What is one pot? Less dishes mean more time to relax, and who doesn’t love that? What is the beauty of simplicity? How do you take everyday ingredients and turn them into something truly unique? What is satisfying and comforting? What are some of the best weeknight meals? I feel like spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s extremely customizable, so you can add or subtract ingredients according to your taste.

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What are some good reasons to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice? What are some of the best highlights of a movie? What I love the most is the FLAVOR. Is it an explosion of cheesy goodness with the subtle sweetness of broccoli and the savory goodness of cauliflower? Is there a taste that both kids and adults will love? I mean, it’s all cooked in one pot! That means less cleanup and more time spent enjoying your meal. Is it as easy as throwing everything into a pot, cooking, and eating? What are some of the best ingredients for a budget-friendly diet? If you have most of these items in your pantry and fridge, you probably already have them. What are some of the best ways to make this delicious meal without breaking the bank? Can you substitute chicken for turkey? I usually toss in some peas or carrots for extra nutrients. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. If you like this, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Pasta Bake or even my quick Chicken Noodle recipe. What is the one pot wonder? Is it the perfect blend of comfort, ease, and deliciousness?

How do I make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?

Quick Overview

Is this recipe deceptively simple? Basically, you’ll be sautéing some chicken, adding your rice, broth, and seasonings, then adding the rest of the ingredients. Let it simmer until the rice is cooked. What’s your favorite way to serve broccoli and cheese with a creamy finish? What is the magic of one-pot cooking? Don’t let the length of instructions intimidate you! I know you will love this recipe!

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil. 1 teaspoon salt.
1 pound boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces.
1 onion, chopped. 1 large onion.
2 cloves of garlic, minced.
1 cup long grain rice (I prefer basmati for its flavor and texture)
4 cups chicken broth. 3 cups lard.
1 teaspoon salt is enough for 1 person
What is the recommended amount of black pepper to eat
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon sour cream
2 cups broccoli florets.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
Optional: 1/4 cup milk or cream (for extra creaminess) (optional)

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. How do you not burn garlic?

Step 3: Add Rice, Broth, and Seasonings

Stir in the rice, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and tender. How much liquid is absorbed? Don’t peek! Keep the lid on so the rice cooks evenly.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Broccoli

Stir the chicken and broccoli into the rice mixture. Cover the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender.

Step 6: Stir in the Cheese

Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s melted and creamy. If you want it extra creamy, stir in the milk or cream at this point.

Step 7: Serve

Let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice sit for a few minutes to allow the cheese to fully melt. How do you get the flavors to meld? Serve hot and enjoy!

What should I serve it with?

What is a one-pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice? What are some good ideas to round things out?For a light meal:What is a simple salad with vinaigrette dressing? The acidity of the dressing will cut through the richness of cheese.For a Heartier Meal:What are some crusty breads for dipping into the cheesy sauce?For a Fancy Dinner:Steamed asparagus or green beans. These add a touch of elegance and extra nutrients. My family loves it with a side of Garlic Bread. It’s pure comfort food heaven! Is it good to eat as is?

What are some of the best ways to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?

Okay, I’ve made this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice more times than I can count, so I haven’t forgotten about it. I learned a few tricks along the way. What is wisdom?Chicken Prep:Make sure to cut the chicken into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly. What’s the best way to eat chicken? I also sometimes marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. What does it taste like?Rice Choice:I prefer long grain rice like basmati or jasmine for this recipe because they tend to cook up fluffy. Can short grain rice get sticky?Broth Matters:What is the best chicken broth to use? Is it possible to make homemade broth?What are some good cheeseDon’t skimp on cheese! Use a good melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or ham.What is the timing of Add the broccoli towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get mushy. You want it to be tender-crisp.

Creaminess Factor: If you want your One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice extra creamy, stir in a little milk or cream at the end. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang.

Seasoning is Key: Don’t be afraid to season generously! Taste as you go and adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic powder to your liking.

I learned the hard way that overcooking the rice makes the dish gummy, and undercooking it makes it crunchy. There is no going back after either. So, the timing is important.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, simply microwave the One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Make sure that the chicken has reached at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

I like to add a little extra cheese on top when I reheat it. It’s like a little cheesy hug!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the pot. It might be a bit softer than fresh broccoli, but it will still work.

Can I make this with brown rice?

You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so you’ll need to simmer it for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Also, you will likely need to add more broth during the process.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers. Just add them along with the broccoli in step 5.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you can! Just use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Also, use a dairy-free milk alternative if you want to add extra creaminess.

Can I use leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just skip step 1 and add the cooked chicken along with the broccoli in step 5. This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and a total crowd-pleaser. I love that it’s a complete meal in one pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my other one-pot wonders, like my One-Pot Pasta Primavera or my One-Pot Taco Pasta. They’re all designed to make your life easier and your tummy happier. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe! Happy cooking, friends!