If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for meals that are both comforting and quick to whip up after a busy day. That’s exactly why I adore this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe — it’s a complete meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese all in one pot. No juggling multiple pans, and cleanup? So much easier. It’s pure convenience without skimping on flavor.

What really makes this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe shine is how the cheese melds everything together, making each bite rich and satisfying. Plus, it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy meal to fuel you through a lazy weekend, this dish always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh freezer finds that work perfectly together for a hassle-free, hearty meal. When shopping, keeping your chicken bite-sized will help it cook evenly, and using frozen broccoli means you get convenience without sacrificing nutrition.

Olive oil: Great for sautéing chicken with a nice flavor, plus it’s a heart-healthy fat.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cutting into small pieces helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
Salt: Enhances every bit of flavor, so don’t skip it.
Pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle spice.
Uncooked basmati rice or long-grain rice: Absorbs all those delicious juices and keeps the texture fluffy.
Chicken broth: The key liquid to cook the rice and infuse everything with savory goodness.
Frozen steamable broccoli: Convenient, nutritious, and perfectly sized for a one-pot dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy star that makes this dish irresistibly creamy.

Variations

I love how flexible this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is. You can tweak it to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand, turning it into a whole new experience every time.

Variation: Swap chicken for turkey or even sausage if you want a richer flavor—I’ve done both and they taste fantastic!
Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and a bit of nutritional yeast for that cheesy vibe without the lactose.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce while cooking the chicken to wake things up.
Seasonal veggies: Try mixing in asparagus or peas when broccoli feels repetitive—feel free to experiment!

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let them cook until they’re golden on the outside—about 5-7 minutes. You want them cooked through but still juicy inside. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, but don’t crowd the pot or they won’t brown properly.

Step 2: Add Rice and Broth

Once the chicken looks beautiful and cooked through, pour in your uncooked rice and give everything a quick stir. Then, pour the chicken broth over it all. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 15 minutes. This is where the rice soaks up all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Mix in Broccoli and Cheese

After the 15 minutes, sprinkle your frozen steamed broccoli right on top. Don’t stir just yet—cover and cook for another 5 minutes to steam the broccoli through. When time’s up, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a gooey, creamy blanket covering the chicken, rice, and broccoli. That’s when this dish truly becomes irresistible.

Step 4: Final Touch and Serve

Give everything a good stir to combine all that cheesy goodness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Let it rest a couple of minutes off the heat before serving—this helps the flavors settle and the cheese firm up just enough to be perfectly creamy but not runny.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like to finish this with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a bit of brightness and color. Sometimes, a little extra shredded cheddar on top is welcomed, of course. If you like a bit of zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich cheese.

Side Dishes

This meal is pretty filling on its own, but I often serve it with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread if we’re in a carb-loving mood. Roasted cherry tomatoes or a simple cucumber and tomato salad also pair beautifully and keep things light and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or when I want to impress, I sometimes serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice inside hollowed-out bell peppers or mini pumpkin bowls. It’s a fun way to present and makes the meal feel extra special. Plus, the vibrant colors make your dinner table look amazing!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe does great for up to 3-4 days. The rice soaks up more moisture over time, so when you reheat, stirring in a splash of broth or water helps refresh the texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times and it reheats beautifully without losing much of the cheese’s creaminess. Just portion it out, freeze in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm it gently on the stove over low heat with a little extra broth or water to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but it will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend cooking the brown rice separately first or adjusting the simmer time to about 40-45 minutes. Alternatively, par-cook the rice before adding it to the pot.
Is it okay to use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh broccoli works wonderfully here—just chop it into bite-sized florets and add it during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking to steam it until tender but still bright green. I’ve done this many times, and it actually adds a nice texture contrast.
Can I make this recipe slow cooker friendly?

While this recipe is designed for the stovetop one-pot method for best texture, you can adapt it for the slow cooker by adding all ingredients except the cheese at the start. Cook on low for 4-5 hours and stir in cheese at the end. Just be mindful that slow cookers can result in softer broccoli and rice.
How do I prevent the dish from getting too watery?

Make sure to measure your chicken broth accurately and use the correct type of rice—basmati or long-grain rice works best because they absorb liquid well without getting mushy. Also, avoid lifting the lid during simmering, as this lets steam escape and affects cooking time and liquid balance.
What cheese do you recommend for the best flavor?

I stick to sharp cheddar because it melts beautifully and gives a rich, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and broccoli. However, mixing in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack can add extra creaminess and a subtle mildness—feel free to experiment here.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe has become one of those meals I keep coming back to because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just craving some simple comfort, it’s there to satisfy. I hope you give it a try soon, and when you do, I’m sure you’ll love how quick cleanup is and how satisfying every cheesy bite feels—like a warm hug from the inside out.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 56 reviews

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting, quick, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed and then cooked together with rice, broccoli, and a blend of chicken broth and cheddar cheese to create a creamy, cheesy dish packed with flavor and nutrients—all made effortlessly in just one pot.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small, bite-sized pieces
1 bag (12 oz) frozen steamable broccoli (about 2 cups chopped broccoli)

Rice and Liquids

1 cup uncooked basmati rice or long-grain rice
2 ½ cups chicken broth

Seasonings and Fats

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper

Cheese

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the pot with the chicken, making sure the rice is well combined and coated with the oil and chicken juices.
Pour in Broth and Cook: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender.
Add Broccoli: Stir in the frozen steamable broccoli directly into the pot. Cover again and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is heated through and tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Stir gently until the cheese has melted and the dish is creamy.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot as a satisfying main meal.

Notes

You can substitute the frozen steamable broccoli with fresh chopped broccoli; just steam it separately before adding to the pot.
For a lighter dish, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or less cheese according to your preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the rice.
Feel free to add other seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.

Keywords: one pot meal, cheesy chicken, broccoli rice, easy dinner, quick recipe, stovetop chicken rice, healthy dinner