Name: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485192H42M30S
Total time: PT-485192H42M30S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup white or brown rice; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Description

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a quick, comforting meal made with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup white or brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Cook the Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the rice, cover, and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Broccoli: When the rice is almost fully cooked, add the broccoli florets. Cover and let steam for a few minutes until tender.
Incorporate the Chicken: Slice or shred the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Stir to distribute evenly.
Make it Cheesy: Lower the heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and a splash of milk or cream. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the mixture evenly.
Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning as needed, adding red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda.
Go Low-Carb: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
Try Another Protein: Use turkey, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
Add More Veggies: Mix in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy chicken rice, one-pot meal, easy dinner, chicken and broccoli, comfort food