Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner—*One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice*! This dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in one pan, making it the perfect recipe for busy evenings when you crave a quick, delicious meal without the fuss. Did I mention the glorious cheesy topping that ties everything together? Trust me; you’re going to adore this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Nutrient-Packed: With lean protein, whole grains, and veggies, it’s a balanced meal in itself.
- Family-Friendly: Mild flavors and cheesy goodness ensure everyone from kids to adults will enjoy it.
- Quick and Simple: You can have it on the table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple, yet essential ingredients that bring together flavors of comfort and satisfaction. Each plays a crucial role, from the savory chicken to the fresh burst of broccoli, and of course, the melty cheese that makes it all irresistible.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Provides a rich, subtle base and helps in sautéing and enhancing flavors.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and protein-rich, turning tender as they simmer with the other ingredients.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, appetizing aroma.
- Uncooked extra long grain white rice: Absorbs flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
- Fresh broccoli: Offers a vibrant color and crunch, making the dish nutritious and tasty.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor and keeps everything moist.
- Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey layers, sealing in all the wonderful flavors.
Variations
One of the best things about this One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is how easily customizable it is! Feel free to adapt it to your preference or dietary needs without compromising on flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken with tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian dish.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level if you like things spicy.
- Different cheeses: Experiment with gouda or mozzarella for a distinct cheesy flavor.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by sautéing onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. This step softens the onions, laying a fragrant foundation for building the dish, while ensuring they melt into sweetness and complement the other flavors seamlessly.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper. Once the onions have started to soften, increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan. Brown the chicken until golden, letting it develop a lovely crust. This not only locks in the moisture but also infuses the pan with flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate the Rice and Broth
Push the chicken to one side and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty space. Saute the uncooked rice until it starts to turn golden. Add the chicken broth to the pan, bring everything to a boil, and stir to combine. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and allow it all to cook for about 12 minutes.
Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese
While the chicken and rice cook, cut the broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Stir them into the cooked mixture and continue cooking, covered, for another 8 minutes, until both the rice and broccoli are tender. Finally, stir in half a cup of cheese, sprinkle the rest on top, cover, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 more minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Golden Rice: Toast the rice for those extra few minutes to boost the nutty flavor and achieve a golden color.
- Vegetable Texture: For crisper broccoli, add it just a few minutes before the dish finishes cooking.
- Cheese Variation: Try a blend of different cheeses to personalize and enrich the dish’s flavor.
- Broth Choice: Low-sodium broth helps control saltiness while allowing the dish’s natural flavors to shine through.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green and hint of freshness. If you love a zesty kick, a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can elevate the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for added greens. A simple side of crusty garlic bread can also complement the savory rice and chicken mix.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in a shallow bowl to keep all the delightful ingredients in view. For an elegant touch, plate it up in individual ramekins, topped with a little extra cheese love, and broil for a bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making your meal prep for the next couple of lunches so much easier!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! After it has cooled completely, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can enjoy your frozen One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a dash of chicken broth if needed to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure it heats evenly and maintains that savory, comforting quality you adore.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You will need to adjust the cooking time and ensure there’s enough liquid to keep the rice from drying out.
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What can I use as a substitute for cheddar cheese?
You can use mozzarella, gouda, or even a nutty parmesan. Each will bring its own unique flavor and melt to the dish.
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Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Red pepper flakes can do the trick, too.
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Is there a way to make it dairy-free?
Remove the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative; there are many plant-based cheese options available that can melt beautifully into the dish.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find this One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice as delightful to make as it is to eat. It’s warm, hearty, and soul-satisfying—a true comfort meal that can easily become a staple in your weekly menu. Give it a try, and let it fill your home with its delicious aroma and your heart with joy.
Print
One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy rice, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herb
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
Protein
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
Broccoli
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli, florets cut into bite-sized pieces
Liquids
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Pantry items and oils
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Sauté onions: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Season chicken: While onions cook, season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Cook chicken: Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken to the pan. Brown the chicken pieces evenly, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Add garlic: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side, then add minced garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook rice: Add the uncooked rice to the pan and sauté, stirring frequently, until the rice turns a light golden color, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then stir to combine all ingredients. Reduce heat to low and cover the pan.
- Simmer rice and chicken: Let cook covered for approximately 12 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and chicken to finish cooking.
- Prepare broccoli: While the rice is cooking, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. After the initial 12 minutes, stir the broccoli into the pan, cover again, and cook for another 8 minutes until tender.
- Add cheese: Once everything is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Stir in half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted and well incorporated.
- Finish with cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture, cover the pan, and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese for other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for different flavor profiles.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, but frozen can work if thawed and drained thoroughly.
- This dish can be topped with chopped herbs such as parsley or chives for added freshness.
- To make it more creamy, stir in a splash of milk or cream before adding the cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (~1.5 cups)
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
