One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Looking for a simple, delicious, and wholesome meal that comes together in one pan? This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe is the perfect answer! It’s a comforting dish that combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all cooked together in a cheesy, creamy sauce. Best of all, it’s made in just one pan, meaning fewer dishes to clean and more time to enjoy your meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a satisfying meal without too much fuss. Keep reading for the full recipe and some helpful tips to make this one-pan wonder a regular part of your dinner rotation!

this Recipe

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

One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a classic, family-friendly dish where chicken, broccoli, and rice are cooked together in a single pan with broth and seasonings. After everything is cooked to perfection, the dish is topped with melted cheese for a rich, creamy, and flavorful finish. This dish is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, veggies, and carbs, making it both nutritious and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to suit your taste!

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

For the Chicken and Rice:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (jasmine or basmati work well)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite melting cheese)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

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Substitutions and Variations

This one-pan dish is highly adaptable. Here are some ideas for substitutions or variations:

• Use brown rice: If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time by about 15-20 minutes and add a little more broth or water to the dish.
• Swap in different veggies: You can substitute the broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or peas, depending on what you have on hand.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
• Lighter option: Use reduced-fat cheese or skip the cheese altogether to lighten up the dish. You can also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Vegan or vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and choose a vegan cheese alternative.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:

• Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Toss to coat evenly.

1. Sauté the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is browned on the outside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking with the rice). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

1. Cook the Onions and Garlic:

• In the same pan, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant. If the pan seems dry, you can add a little more oil or butter.

1. Add the Rice and Broth:

• Stir the uncooked rice into the onions and garlic, letting it toast lightly for 1-2 minutes. This step helps to enhance the flavor of the rice.
• Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

1. Add the Chicken and Broccoli:

• Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, nestling them into the rice. Scatter the broccoli florets over the top (you can add them frozen or fresh).

1. Simmer the Dish:

• Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pan with a lid, and cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the liquid is mostly absorbed. If using brown rice, this will take a bit longer (around 30-35 minutes).
• Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

1. Add the Cheese:

• Once the rice is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) evenly over the top of the chicken and rice. Cover the pan again and let the cheese melt for 3-4 minutes.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, if desired. Serve the cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice hot, and enjoy!

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

1. Season and brown the chicken in a large skillet.
2. Sauté the onions and garlic to build flavor.
3. Add the rice and chicken broth to the pan and bring it to a boil.
4. Return the chicken and add the broccoli, letting everything simmer together.
5. Cook until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
6. Top with cheese and let it melt for a deliciously creamy finish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not browning the chicken: Browning the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish. Don’t skip this step, even though the chicken will finish cooking later.
• Undercooking the rice: Make sure the rice is fully cooked before adding the cheese. If it’s still crunchy, add a little more broth and continue cooking until the rice is tender.
• Adding the broccoli too late: For perfectly cooked broccoli, add it to the pan with the chicken and rice so it has time to soften. If you prefer a crisper texture, you can add it in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Skipping the cheese: The cheesy topping is what ties the dish together. If you don’t want to use cheddar, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any melty cheese you enjoy.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This hearty one-pan dish is both comforting and flavorful, but a little garnish can make it even more appealing. Here are some ways to serve and present your cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice:

• Top with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and brightness.
• Serve with a side salad: A light, crisp side salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy dish.
• Pair with bread: Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete, comforting meal.
• Use a colorful skillet: If you have a colorful cast-iron or non-stick pan, serve the dish straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.

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

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:

• Serve family-style: Bring the skillet directly to the table and let everyone serve themselves.
• With additional sides: Add a simple side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
• As meal prep: This dish makes great leftovers! Portion it into meal prep containers for easy reheating during the week.

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

1. Serve directly from the skillet: This is a cozy, rustic dish, so serve it straight from the pan for a homestyle feel. A cast-iron skillet or colorful nonstick pan makes it even more inviting.
2. Add a garnish of herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or chives add a vibrant touch and contrast nicely with the cheesy top.
3. Use colorful bowls or plates: Serve the dish in bright, colorful bowls to add a festive touch and make the cheesy goodness stand out.

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One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe Tips

• Cut chicken evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Use fresh or frozen broccoli: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in this recipe. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand.
• Watch the liquid levels: If the rice looks too dry while cooking, add a splash more broth to keep it moist. If it’s too soupy, cook uncovered for the last few minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
• Cheese alternatives: Feel free to mix and match cheeses for different flavor profiles. Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, or even a Mexican cheese blend will work beautifully.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

• Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook. Add an extra ½ to 1 cup of broth and cook for 30-35 minutes until the rice is tender.

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! You can prepare the dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?

• Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just add it directly to the pan without thawing.

1. How do I store leftovers?

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

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Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a quick and easy dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli all smothered in gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort food that also happens to be nutritious. Plus, with minimal cleanup and easy preparation, it’s a great recipe for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Try it out and enjoy a delicious, cheesy one-pan dinner that everyone will love!

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