Description
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, hearty rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a comforting family favorite with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan.
- Cook the Aromatics and Rice: In the same pot, sauté diced onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the rice and toast for about a minute.
- Simmer the Rice: Add chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Broccoli and Chicken: Stir in the broccoli and cooked chicken. Cover and cook for 5 more minutes until broccoli is tender.
- Melt the Cheese: Turn off heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add red pepper flakes and Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Let sit for a couple of minutes, stir, and serve warm.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth/milk or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Customizations: Swap protein, change cheese, or add different veggies like bell peppers or peas.
- Gluten-Free Option: Ensure broth and cheese are gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: One-Pot Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: one-pot chicken recipe, cheesy chicken and rice, easy weeknight dinner, broccoli and rice casserole, comfort food recipe