Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Rice Skillet Recipe
A quick and nutritious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken breast, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and melted reduced-fat cheese. This Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Rice Skillet is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, chopped
Grains
- 1 1/4 cups long-grain rice (like jasmine or basmati)
Liquids and Broth
- 2 1/2 cups fat-free chicken stock
Cheese
- 2/3 cup shredded, reduced-fat cheese, divided
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Others
- Cooking spray (for skillet)
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the diced chicken breast with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and heat it over high heat. Add the chicken and sear until browned on both sides, approximately 2 minutes per side.
- Remove Chicken and Lower Heat: Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside. Lower the heat to medium to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Toast the Rice: Add the long-grain rice to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice, which enhances its flavor.
- Add Stock and Spices: Pour in the 2 1/2 cups of fat-free chicken stock. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to a simmer or low.
- Simmer Rice: Cook the covered skillet for 8 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb the broth and begin to cook through.
- Add Broccoli and Chicken: Remove the cover and layer the chopped broccoli florets and the seared chicken pieces evenly over the rice. Replace the cover and continue to cook for an additional 7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
- Melt Cheese and Finish: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 1/3 cup of the shredded reduced-fat cheese into the rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup cheese on top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for about 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely before serving.
Notes
- Check your WW PersonalPoints for this recipe using the WW app for accurate tracking; serving size is 1 2/3 cups.
- WW Green SmartPoints: 9 for 1 2/3 cup serving.
- WW Blue and Purple SmartPoints: 7 for 1 2/3 cup serving.
- Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for best results and even heat distribution.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute rice with brown rice for added fiber, but increase cooking time accordingly.
Keywords: cheesy chicken skillet, broccoli chicken rice, one-pan dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy weeknight meal