One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a cheesy, easy dinner loaded with simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and broccoli. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight when things are hectic. Only one dish to clean for this satisfying one-pan dinner recipe.
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ONE-PAN DINNERS
I’m a little late to the one-pot, one-pan party. I don’t know why I’ve been resistant but with food trends, I’m either really early or really late to try them.
For example, I think I was the last person in the world to eat quinoa.
And cookie butter…, just had my first taste ever yesterday.
Subconsciously I was trying to avoid it because it’s one of those things that I knew I would find myself elbow deep in before realizing the whole jar was gone.
Move over Nutella, cookie butter is the hot ticket in town now (thanks Heather for buying me a jar).
Anywhoooo, back to one-pan dishes. I feel no reason to ever make anything in more than one pan now.
Which is why I made this One-Pan Mexican Rice Chicken yesterday. I loathe dishes. This is a trend I plan on hanging on to for a while.
EASY DINNERS
To be honest, I wasn’t planning on sharing this dish, which is why there aren’t any step-by-step shots. But I have your back y’all. Easy dinners are hard to come by so I had to share. Especially chicken dinners (like these Baked Chicken Chimichangas).
I made it purely out of necessity trying to keep my house clean for 12 hours before I had to host Bunko so I looked up one-pan dishes so that I could keep my kitchen clean and still feed my family.
After I made it, it looked so pretty so I snapped a couple of pictures just in case. I found this recipe over at No. 2 Pencil. She has a ton of one-pot recipes that you guys should check out.
Broccoli is one of the few vegetables my whole family loves so I knew it would be a hit and it was. If broccoli isn’t a vegetable your family loves you can use spinach or asparagus.
This is the kind of chicken recipe that sits in your back pocket when it’s 5 pm and you don’t know what you’re making for dinner.
HOW TO MAKE ONE-PAN CHEESY CHICKEN, BROCCOLI, AND RICE:
- First, start by cooking your onions in a little olive oil in a 12-inch skillet. Once they’re soft you can add your seasoned chicken breast. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken you can add it later when you add the cheese.
- Next, you’ll saute your rice in a little olive oil. This gives the rice extra flavor by toasting it. Have your liquid on had because you’ll want it as soon as it’s done toasting.
- Add your chicken broth. I really like Better than Bouillon Chicken base in a can (you add water) which can be found right next to regular chicken broth.
- After the rice has been cooking for a while add your broccoli and let it steam.
- Finally, when all the liquid has been absorbed by the rice you’re ready to add the cheddar cheese. Stir 1/2 a cup in and sprinkle the rest on top to melt.
OTHER ONE-PAN DINNERS
- One-Pan Garlic Butter Chicken
- Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
- One-Pot Chicken Spaghetti
- One-Pan Chicken Tortilla Bake
- Egg Roll in a Bowl
- One-Pan Chicken Fajita Rice
- One-Pan Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
- Italian Sausage and Peppers
- One-Pot Sausage Broccoli Pasta
- Cheater Korean Beef
- One-Pan Tomato Basil Chicken Quinoa
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Skillet
- One-Pan Chicken Spinach and Orzo
- Creamy Chicken and Spinach
- One-Pan Creamy Zucchini Pasta
- Chicken Salad recipe
- One-Pan Sausage Broccoli and Sun-dried Tomato Pasta
One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced finely
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, (I like to use Better than Buillion Chicken base)
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
Equipment
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pan, sauté onions in two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Once onions soften, increase the heat to medium high and add chicken to the pan.
- Brown the chicken pieces and add the garlic. Cook for about 1 more minute.
- Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.
- Add the uncooked rice in the olive oil and saute it for a couple of minutes.
- Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
- Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.
- Sprinkle the broccoli evenly over the chicken and rice mixture and stir to combine.
- Continue to cook covered another 8 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in half a cup of cheese.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top and cover with a lid, letting it sit for 1-2 minutes or until cheese has melted.
I want a video for this chicken broccoli pot meal please.
There’s a video in the post
Am I crazy? I can’t find the video anywhere.
I just checked and can see it?
Just made this. I love that it is a truly one pot meal. For the long grain rice I used I will cut back the rice cooking time to about 6 min and add the broccoli while there is still some liquid.
Thanks for a great recipe!
You’re welcome!
My family really enjoyed this meal. The only thing I did differently was cut the chicken up into bite-sized pieces. It was absolutely delicious.
I wish I could retract my comment. I just reread the recipe and it does call to cut up the chicken into bite size pieces. So my comment is I followed the recipe and it was perfect.
No worries. Thanks Cindy
I didn’t have broccoli on hand, so I used frozen peas instead, but everything else was just as the recipe was written. It was really good! Thank you for the recipe!
You’re welcome!!
I made this, adding some sliced yellow pepper, I had some left over pasta, added about one half cup, and topped with fresh spinach. Cooked everything together, added about 1/4 cup chicken broth, sprinkled sharp cheddar cheese, mixing it all together. Prior to serving, topped with some shredded cheddar cheese. Delicious!
Great additions!
I literally started making this at 5pm and it’s 12 minutes later and we are almost ready to eat! Thank you for such a quick and delicious recipe. This is very customizable and I can think of many different spice/vegetable combos I can do this with.
You are welcome!
I’ve been making my own version of this and it’s tasty and quick to make. Sometimes I add a can of rotel tomatoes to it with a Mexican twist I even use velveeta cheese instead because it melted down easier.
What if the rice doesn’t soak up all the liquid? What did I do wrong?
You have to let it simmer with the lid on for a while until it absorbs all the liquid. Like maybe 15 minutes or so beyond her 8 minutes suggestion. My rice took a while too
Sounds like you need to cook it longer or at a higher heat for the time specified.
This turned out so well for me! I love a one pot meal, such an easy way to do dinner. Thank you! 😊
2.5 cups is way too much broth. If you put that much broth in leave the lid off.
That’s funny, I came here to say it wasn’t enough broth for me. I had to add more liquid because the rice wasn’t cooking. Must depend on your local climate.
I agree. IMO it has more to do with what kind of range u have. Gas vs electric. Gas ranges- even on low cook much faster & at a higher heat than electric. I’ve had both & this recipe ratio was not enough liquid to cook rice & broccoli on a gas range on low heat setting. I had to add about 1 cup more chicken broth so that rice didn’t burn on pan! Was very tasty though!
This was super easy and I alredy had all the stuff thank you was very good
Glad to hear that.
How would you modify if you use frozen broccoli, should I cook it first & then add?
No it should cook fine. Just give it a few more minutes.
Can this be baked in the oven? We’re on vacation and the house we are renting doesn’t have a skillet big enough, but it DOES have a baking dish. I have all the ingredients and would love to make this recipe tonight!
Shoot! Yes, you can but it’s probably too late.
Could you tell me how many calories per serving/macros?
I make this meal SOO much, thank you for this recipe.
I added the nutritional info but I suggest using MyFitnessPal and entering in the brands you use for the most accurate info.
Can you substitute cauliflower rice for regular?
Yes. You won’t need as much liquid (chicken broth) as regular rice soaks it up as it cooks.
I know I’m late to the party, but I loved this recipe. I also loved that you replied in the comments to people’s questions. This worked wonderfully with some pan-seared turkey tenderloins I bought in excess at a discount. I was eating turkey sandwiches until I came across this recipe. It was absolutely delicious. Thank you for this! I also wanted to note that your recommendation of cooking brown rice at about double the time worked perfectly for me.
Thanks BRad for your feedback
You need to cook the broccoli first imo. It didn’t cook as per the recipe. I boiled it for 6 minutes then added it to the dish. I learned a long time ago how broccoli works…lol
What a great recipe! Anytime I can create a meal in one pan and still put a smile on my hubby’s face is a sure fire winner! I used a brown rice wild blend and partially cooked the rice separately. To save myself calories, we each added cheese to individual portions. This recipe only made 4 servings here.
Thank yoU!
I made this tonight with ground turkey instead of chicken because it was all I had on hand. It was delicious! Followed the recipe exactly, just swapped the meat.
So happy to hear that!
This was delicious and so simple. I added 1/4 tsp onion powder, my husband and kids loved it.
Loved this recipe! Any tips on making it freezer meal friendly? I’m expecting baby #2 in a few weeks. Thanks in advance!
Congrats! I would just make it until the end minus the cheese on top and freeze. Then reheat and sprinkle cheese on top.
Is there a conversion if I want to use brown rice?
It will take twice as long and you might need to add more liquid as the rice cooks.
This was my first TGWAE recipe I’ve ever made … and I plan on making more! This was delicious!!!
So happy to hear that!
Very good recipe, I used chicken bone broth, added extra flavor!
Yum!
Can you use instant (minute) rice
I haven’t tried it but other have with success.
Using minute rice…does it still cook the same? Making this tonight and all I have in min instant rice.
Minute rice will take a lot less time so your veggies will need longer to cook.
I used minute rice! Works fine.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs???
Absolutely. They will take a little longer to cook.
Do you know the modifications needed in order to use brown rice?
Yes, brown rice takes twice as long so you might need to add more liquid as needed to cook the rice.
I most say your one-pan recipes are truly amazing. I always liked to cook but noe I love cooking because your receipes are so delicous and quick to make. My family think I cooking like a chef ! Since I love cooking shows that makes me smile and feel appreciated. Thanks so much for sharing your awesome andedotes and your faboulous recipes!
AW that makes me happy!
I just took this off this stove and it looks delicious. I used bone in thighs and will cut the meat off the bone once in done here. This is a great meal after working outside all afternoon and being exhausted!!
Thanks for the recipe!!
Delicious. Made this recipe last week and I’m at it again! Have it simmering right now. My husband and I are seniors so easy and scrumptious.
So happy you like it!
Thank you! Very easy and delicious dinner
Thank you!
Love this recipe! We make it all the time.
Yay!!
So do you cook the rice with the chicken too? Or cook chicken take it out and then do the rice and broccoli.?
Leave the chicken in so it can finish cooking
I made this dish last night and used asparagus instead of broccoli and it tasted really good, this recipe is a keeper and cleaning up was super easy, thank you
Great switch up for spring.
This is my go to recipe when I don’t have much time to prepare dinner. I love that it’s one pan which makes clean up a breeze. The family approves! I always double the recipe, which usually leaves us with leftovers.
Yay! We love this one too!
This recipe was a big hit with my family! I used rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken. But I added it at the same time in the recipe. It did shorten the cook time, making it one of my “in a hurry “ meals. I will cook this again!
Yes! If I use rotisserie I usually add it at the end but you can do it either way.
This is my go to dinner during the week! Makes so much I always have leftovers for lunch the next day. I made it with ground turkey too, just as delicious!
Thank you!
Can’t beat a good rice, chicken, broccoli and cheese dish! I love this! I just tried it as a single/two service quick-ish lunch dish. Worked out okay. I guessed all the amounts so I think I got a couple things a little off. How you would adjust the ingredients for only two servings?
You could just divide the recipe by 3.
Omg we LOVED this recipe! I read that someone else added cracked red pepper and I did the same and it added the perfect amount of spice! I used instant rice and frozen broccoli and it still turned out amazing! Highly recommend (:
Great additions!
This is a really great basic easy recipe I don’t know why others are saying it’s bland you can absolutely easily add other seasonings that you have on hand for example I use Montreal chicken seasoning by McCormick on my chicken before browning them! Next time I might even mix up some cheeses use cheddar and a different one! Thanks !!
Thank you!
This was such an easy recipe! I added some basil for added flavor as well as a little more pepper for a bit of spice. This will definately be in rotation in my house.
Thank you!
Nice, easy recipe. I added some red pepper flakes, dried oregano and thyme to add a bit more flavor. Will teach my son this one for when he is cooking in college next year.
Thank you!
This is fantastic. I was broccoli-adverse and trying to find ways to learn to love it. This did the trick–and then some! This has been on regular rotation for months now. I think my husband might be getting a little bit tired of it, but not me! It’s true comfort food. I reduce the amount of cheese by half and it’s still delicious. I’ve got a pot cooking as I type this!
Great to hear!
me and my family loved it!! thank you
Glad to hear that.
This was quick, easy, delicious. My husband who does not like rice he said, it was good.
Glad to hear that.
Looks very yummy. To make it keto friendly, can I use cauliflower rice instead?
Of course. You wouldn’t need all the liquid.
Love this recipe. So easy and delicious. It’s comfort food for me.
Thanks you for sharing.♥️
You are welcome!
This appears frequently on our dinner table because my boys (hubs and son) and I LOVE it!
Forgot to give it the 5 star rating!
Happy to hear that!
I made this today! I have been looking for a chicken and rice recipe. So glad that I found your recipe. It is soo good. Chicken and rice had so much flavor and was not dry at all. Will certainly be making this again!!!!
Thank you!
Yum! I think I’ll cut the broccoli into smaller pieces next time. I also added shredded mozzarella on the initial mix-in. I like how it melts (texture) with the cheddar (flavor). Thank you for an easy and delicious recipe!
Hi. This looks delicious. Do you have any nutritional info for this? Thank you.
this was delicious. we used romano cheese instead, because that is all i had. family loved it!
If I use brown rice, is doubling the amount of chicken stock the correct ratio?
Yes, that’s a good estimate.
This looks great! How much adjustment should I make to the liquid if I’m using frozen broccoli?
It shouldn’t be too far off. The liquid is mainly for the rice.
This recipe doesn’t work. The times are off and the chicken gets tough cooking with the rice. The rice takes 30 min (covered).
I’ve made this 100 times. It does work! Maybe add your chicken later?
Are you using brown rice? White rice takes ~15 mins to cook on low after it comes up to a boil.
It turned out ok. Next time I think I need to use a bigger pot.
Oh man this was so good. I usually make this in a casserole,but use cream of chicken in a can. Nothing wrong with that,real good. But this time I wanted to make it a little different. It was easy and quick. The only thing was my rice turned out brown,but I think it was cause the oil was already dark with the chicken. My husband probably thought it was brown rice. Lol. Also I did use more broth after I added the broccoli. Thank you for this dish.
You’re welcome!
This is a go to easy recipe in our house. Thanks!
Thank you!
Can you use minute rice?
YEs but would have to adjust for time.
any idea how much adjusting? Like should i add the broccoli when i add the rice if im using minute rice?
Yes! That’s what I would do.
I use this recipe religiously, twice a month at least. It has been in my meal rotation for at least 1.5 years and i don’t plan on cutting it out anytime soon! Thank you thank you thank you for this incredible family (picky toddler) recipe!
You are welcome!
Excellent one pan dish, our new go-to meal!! So quick and simple!! Might try to spice it it one time soon by adding red pepper flakes! We just love, thanks!!
Thank you!
I’m making this for the second time and it’s definitely getting added to the dinner rotation. The first time I made it, I used a leftover chicken thigh and some sliced chicken lunchmeat. It was wonderful! This time I’ll be using the leftover meat from a whole chicken I cooked in the crockpot. My husband and I have already eaten two meals from the whole chicken and this recipe will provide us both with two more. Sweet! This recipe is sooooo good!!! Thank you!!! <3
You’re welcome!
Your website is so thoroughly versatile and wonderful, I am sitting here not being able to decide on which recipe or even a category to look at! I will come here everytime I’m looking for something new. Thank you for this.
That’s a good problem to have. Welcome!
Can you use cauliflowered rice instead of long grain rice? I have cauliflower I need to use up.
Yes. You won’t need as much liquid at all though.
JUST MADE THIS AND WAS A HIT WITH MY DAD FRANK.
BUT HAD TO USE A WHOLE THING OF CHICKEN BROTH AS RICE SUCKED UP FAST WHAT AS CALLED FOR AND I ADDED 2 CUPS OF RICE INSTEAD OF ONE AND USE A WHOLE SMALL BAG OF THE SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE AND USED LONG GRAIN RICE INSTEAD OF EXTRA LONG GRAIN RICE AS I COULDNT FIND THE EXTRA LONG GRAIN RICE ALONG WITH ONE FULL HEAD OF BROCCOLI DICED DOWN AND IT WAS A HIT. SO SHAREING THIS SO YALL CAN GIVE IT A SHOT.
If you add more rice you definitely will need more liquid.
Does the recipe call for cooked or uncooked chicken?
How long do you think this recipe would take to make?
It only takes me around 20 minutes.
This was a deliciously simple meal that used ingredients that I had on hand. I will definitely make it again and am looking forward to trying other one pan recipes. I love that there is minimal clean up after supper.
YEs, that’s why I love one pans.
Super easy- followed exactly. I loved it just like it was, however my husband, who likes spicy foods, added hot sauce to the finished product. A friend of mine suggested this recipe. She also liked it just like it was but her husband, who is like mine, also wanted hot sauce. This dish was perfect! I am thrilled to have another great nutritious meal in my cache of recipes. Of course I have a picture but I don’t see a place to add one.
I know. I don’t know why it doesn’t let you add one. Thank you!
How would you adapt this recipe using frozen broccoli?
I would replace it exactly as you would use fresh.
I would take the frozen broccoli out of the freezer and either leave it out to thaw or steam it slightly prior to putting it into the mixture so it isn’t frozen.
Made this tonight. I made it with brown rice, so it took a little longer and needed more chicken broth. It was a huge hit at my house! I will definitely make this dish again!!
Following up because our adult kids ate before us and raved at how good this was. My husband and I just had our dinner and it was delicious. I did add the broccoli very close to the end as we like it not too well done, more crunchy.. Home run all around for this gang that has been quarantined for 4+ weeks. Thank YOU!
Thank you so much for your feedback!!
Made this tonight and it was fabulous! I only had instant white rice and it was perfect. I used one heaping cup of rice and did not have to change anything!
Awesome to hear this!
I’m sorry I forgot to rate. 5 stars!
I just found this recipe and I’ve made it twice already! I’m committing it to memory because this is great! My mom used to make chicken divan all the tome when we were growing up and I always hated it. This reminds me of the receipt but it’s so much better! I’m even going to make it for my mom!
Thank you Dustin!
I made as instructed but extra chicken because I’ve got a teen who can eat a lot if he likes the dish (no crunchy rice, and tasted great….I just made sure the rice was tender before I pulled it off the heat). At the end, I had a very small bowl of stir fry vegetables leftover from lunch that I wanted to use up so threw that in as well. I put a few fresh diced tomatoes on top in my bowl and I was a happy camper. My picky teenage son had 3 bowls and my husband had 2. Will be making this again!
So happy to hear that!
Can I use ground chicken instead of chicken breast
Yes totally!
I didn’t have chicken stock so I just used water, it turned out amazing!! Thanks for this one- I’ll def be making it again!
Hope you do! We make it weekly.
We love this recipe and make it often. I also use powdered chicken base and sometimes add an extra scoop to make the broth stronger/more flavorful. I usually use shredded cheddar jack but i also made it with shredded parmesan that I had on hand and it was very good! Not bland to us ☺
Thanks Chelsie!!
Oh my goodness! What are these people talking about??? Bland? Ummm no. It was so flavorful and delicious. I have picky 5 year old triplets and they couldn’t get enough! Great recipe.
Haha thanks for the back up!
Curry powder is a great addition to amp up the flavor.
Excellent idea!
I loved it and found it is a great recipe to use up my leftover chicken with. One question, can this casserole be frozen after it is cooked?
It’s more of skillet and not a casserole but I don’t see why not?
This was great and so easy with the one pan.
I added some seasonings (thyme and onion powder) because of what everyone said about blandness. I didn’t have cheddar so I used parmesan. Delicious!
Thank you!
I found this recipe over a year ago and it has been one of our regulars ever since. We’re obsessed — doubling feeds four of us. Not bland to me and my family 🙂