One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe

Looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that requires minimal clean-up? Look no further than this delicious One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe! This all-in-one meal is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and ooey-gooey melted cheese—all cooked together in one pan. It's perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something hearty and satisfying without the hassle of multiple dishes. Read on for a step-by-step guide, variations, common mistakes to avoid, and tips to make this recipe your own!

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What is One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice?

One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a family-friendly, wholesome meal that combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish. The recipe starts by browning chicken in a skillet, then adding rice and liquid to cook the rice to perfection. Broccoli is added towards the end to keep its vibrant color and crisp-tender texture, while a generous amount of cheese is melted on top for that irresistible creamy, cheesy goodness. Best of all? It’s all made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients List for One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients to ensure smooth and efficient cooking. This recipe serves about four people, but you can easily adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
• 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, if frozen, thaw before use)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend of your choice)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a flexible recipe that you can customize based on what you have in your kitchen or your personal preferences. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:

• Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
• Rice: Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time and liquid by about 10-15 minutes and an additional ¼-1/2 cup of broth. For a lower-carb option, you can substitute cauliflower rice, but reduce the liquid since cauliflower rice doesn’t absorb liquid like regular rice.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best for this recipe, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. You can also substitute other veggies like green beans, spinach, or peas.
• Cheese: While cheddar is the classic choice, feel free to use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any melty cheese you love. A touch of Parmesan adds a nutty, savory flavor as well.
• Spices: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or cayenne. For a smoky flavor, swap out the paprika for smoked paprika.

By adjusting a few ingredients, you can easily turn this recipe into something that fits your dietary needs or preferences.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to start cooking? Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and satisfying One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice dish in no time!

How to Cook One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This ensures that the chicken gets a nice golden color and is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter for a richer flavor). Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. You don’t need to cook the chicken through at this point—it will finish cooking with the rice later. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Cook the Onion and Garlic

In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 4: Add the Rice

Once the onions and garlic are softened, add the uncooked rice to the pan. Stir it around for about 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice. Toasting the rice adds a layer of flavor and ensures that it cooks evenly.

Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine it with the rice and onions. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Place the browned chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the rice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let everything cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 7: Add the Broccoli

When the rice is almost done, add the broccoli florets on top of the rice and chicken. If you like your broccoli crisp-tender, let it steam on top of the rice for about 5 minutes with the lid on. For softer broccoli, you can add it a few minutes earlier or blanch it before adding it to the pan.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) over the top of the dish. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. Once the cheese is fully melted, your dish is ready to serve!

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish your One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice with fresh parsley or green onions for added color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Brown them lightly at the beginning, but don’t worry about cooking them through as they’ll finish cooking with the rice.
• Undercooking the Rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding the broccoli and cheese. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add an extra ¼ cup of broth and cook for a few more minutes.
• Not Stirring Occasionally: Stirring the rice occasionally helps prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Just a light stir every 5-7 minutes will do the trick.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is done, here’s how to serve it up beautifully:

How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

This dish is a complete meal on its own, so there’s no need for sides, but here are some ideas to elevate it:

• With a Simple Salad: A crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of this dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread to mop up any cheesy sauce left on the plate.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love a little heat, offer some hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Presentation Ideas for One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Though this is a rustic, homey dish, you can still make it look as appetizing as it tastes! Here are some ideas for plating:

• Serve in the Skillet: For a family-style meal, serve the dish straight from the skillet. Place it in the center of the table with a big spoon for everyone to help themselves.
• Garnish Generously: Top each serving with freshly chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.
• Layered Plates: Serve each portion with chicken on the bottom, followed by rice, broccoli, and a cheesy layer on top for a pretty presentation.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe Tips

For the best results, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best gooey, melty cheese, grate it fresh from a block.
• Make it Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice from drying out.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re cooking for a larger group, simply double the ingredients and use a larger pan. You can also bake the dish in the oven after cooking it on the stovetop for even coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. Add an additional ¼-1/2 cup of broth and increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to bulk up the dish.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth to keep the rice moist.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

One Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a perfect meal for busy weeknights when you need something easy, comforting, and delicious. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and lots of melty cheese, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s made in just one pan, which means fewer dishes to clean! Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or a meal to feed a crowd, this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious flavors with minimal effort!

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