One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
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.
- 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