Cheesy One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

Whip up a truly comforting and easy weeknight meal with this amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet. This recipe offers ultimate one-pan convenience, meaning minimal cleanup and more time enjoying your dinner. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. Get ready for a delicious, family-friendly dish that everyone will adore. This quick meal is perfect for any busy evening.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

You’ll quickly fall in love with this one-pan wonder for so many fantastic reasons. It brings together simplicity and incredible flavor for a satisfying meal.

• Quick & Easy: This entire chicken and broccoli rice dish is ready in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
• Simple Preparation: You only need one skillet and a few basic ingredients for a straightforward cooking process.
• Delicious Textures: Enjoy perfectly tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli in every bite.
• Ultimate Comfort: The creamy, cheesy sauce makes this a true family-favorite comfort food.
• Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan, making after-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Cheesy One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

Enjoy a comforting and easy meal with this one-pan chicken, broccoli, and rice skillet, featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cheesy goodness.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Deep 12-inch skillet with a lid

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
• 0.5 cup yellow or white onion diced
• 1 large carrot peeled and diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice not minute rice
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 2.25 cups chicken broth or stock
• 0.5 teaspoon salt preferably kosher
• 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli can also use frozen
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a deep 12-inch skillet, then lightly salt and brown the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl.
• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, diced onion, and carrot to the skillet with a pinch of salt, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the uncooked rice and minced garlic, cooking for 1 minute until well coated.
• Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and salt, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the skillet, then bring the mixture to a boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook for 10 minutes.
• Stir in the broccoli, cover again, and cook for another 3-5 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and broccoli is tender. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved cooked chicken until melted.
• Taste and adjust the salt as needed, then remove the skillet from heat and let it rest with the lid on for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, allow the skillet to rest for 10 minutes after cooking to ensure the rice absorbs all the liquid and flavors. Adjust salt to your personal preference before serving.

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Ingredients

Making a delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet starts with great ingredients. You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store for this comforting meal.

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup diced yellow or white onion
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup uncooked white rice (not minute rice)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 + 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, preferably kosher
• 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli (can also use frozen)
• 1 + 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Notes & Substitutions

Feel free to customize this skillet meal based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Chicken: Both boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work beautifully. Cut them into even 1-inch pieces for uniform cooking.
• Vegetables: Get creative with other vegetables. Try adding peas, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is highly recommended for the best texture in this skillet. Avoid minute rice as it will cook too fast.
• Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth or stock to control the saltiness of your dish. Vegetable broth also works if preferred.
• Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even mozzarella are excellent alternatives to cheddar cheese.
• Seasoning: Elevate the flavor by adding dried Italian herbs, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of onion powder.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to create this fantastic Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet. Gather these items before you begin cooking.

• Large 12-inch deep skillet with a lid
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet. This one-pan meal is designed for beginners and busy cooks alike.

1. In a deep 12-inch skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly salt the chicken pieces then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until browned on one side, about 3-4 minutes. Flip and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about another 3-4 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil in the same skillet. Add the diced onion, carrot, and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the uncooked white rice and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir constantly for 1 minute, ensuring the rice is coated in the oil and garlic becomes fragrant.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and remaining salt. Make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring the liquid to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet tightly with the lid and cook for 10 minutes. Do not lift the lid during this time.
6. Stir in the chopped fresh broccoli florets. Cover the skillet again and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved cooked chicken until the cheese is completely melted and everything is well combined. This creamy chicken, broccoli, and rice skillet comes together beautifully.
8. Taste the skillet chicken and rice and adjust for salt if needed. Let it rest with the lid on for 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results with your Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet every time using these helpful tips.

• Flavor Boost: Do not skip browning the chicken. This step adds a crucial layer of savory flavor to the entire dish.
• Prevent Sticking: After cooking the chicken, scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds flavor and prevents sticking later.
• Rice Texture: Ensure your skillet lid is tight during simmering. A loose lid allows steam to escape, preventing the rice from cooking properly.
• Broccoli Doneness: Adjust cooking time for broccoli to your preference. Cook it longer if you prefer it very tender, or slightly less for a firmer bite.
• Avoid Blandness: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference.
• Cheese Melts: Stir the cheese until it’s fully incorporated and melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations

This versatile Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet pairs well with many sides and stores beautifully for future meals.

Serve this hearty skillet with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. A slice of crusty bread is also perfect for soaking up the delicious, cheesy sauce.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate any leftover Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet promptly within two hours of cooking.
• Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. You can also reheat it in the microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Variations:

• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Different Cheese: Use Pepper Jack cheese for a spicier version, or a blend like Colby Jack for extra flavor.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream at the very end for an even richer, creamier sauce.
• Extra Veggies: Fold in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or add sliced mushrooms with the onions.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your chicken broth or stock is certified gluten-free if you are following a gluten-free diet.

Nutrition Information

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. It’s a comforting dish designed to satisfy. Enjoy this nutritious one-pan meal without guilt.

FAQ

Find answers to common questions about preparing your Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet.

Conclusion

This Cheesy One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet truly delivers on both ease and deliciousness. It’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, comforting meal without the fuss. With its simple steps and minimal cleanup, this recipe is a true game-changer for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Give this incredibly satisfying one-pan chicken and rice a try tonight. Share your experience and any creative variations in the comments below!