One-Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet: Your Ultimate Comfort Dinner Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the epitome of comfort food, a hearty and satisfying one-pan dinner that comes together effortlessly even after your most demanding days. This versatile skillet chicken and rice dish boasts a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Best of all? It can be on your table in under an hour, with the glorious bonus of only one pan to wash! Say goodbye to elaborate meal prep and hello to delicious simplicity.

One of the most exciting aspects of living near a bustling city is the endless array of activities and opportunities at your fingertips. From cultural events and vibrant dining scenes to unique shops and sprawling parks, there’s always something new to explore. This constant stimulation is a stark contrast to my previous life.

Before I made the move back to my hometown of Pittsburgh in 2014, I spent four years residing in what I affectionately dubbed “cow country.” Seriously, my landlord quite literally had a herd of cows! While it offered a serene pace of life, and I had a few local stores for basic groceries and banking, anything beyond the essentials required a significant trek. A trip to popular retailers like Target or Walmart meant a 30 to 45-minute drive, often over winding mountain roads. I tried my best to keep busy, but the limited options eventually inspired my return home to the city’s lively embrace.

Now, I find myself perfectly situated, just minutes away from numerous vibrant neighborhoods, including a mere 10-minute commute to downtown. Even venturing outwards from the city center, I’m never far from exciting attractions or beautiful landscapes. This convenience, however, comes with its own set of delightful challenges. When my parents visit from about 30-45 minutes away (depending on traffic), our days become packed with exploration. We might spend hours discovering new spots, enjoying delicious meals out, and occasionally even fitting in some grocery shopping – hitting two birds with one stone if we’re already near a store I need to visit!

While we cherish these busy days out, it often means I’m not home to prepare dinner. And although we all enjoy dining out, my parents, especially my mom, frequently express how much they miss my home cooking (my pork wonton soup is a particular favorite!). This scenario often leaves me in a bit of a predicament: how do I whip up a comforting, home-cooked meal that doesn’t demand hours of my time in the kitchen, especially when I’m already tired from a day of non-stop activity? I need something low-key, yet incredibly satisfying.

And that, my friends, is precisely how this incredibly delicious and easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice came into existence! It’s truly a lifesaver – a complete, hearty meal made in just one skillet, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and sweet carrots, all ready to eat in under an hour. It’s the ultimate solution for those busy evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the fuss.

The magic of a one-pan dinner, much like my popular skillet lasagna, cannot be overstated. The ability to cook the rice directly in the same pan as your protein and vegetables is a game-changer. This ingenious method not only shaves precious minutes off your cooking time but, perhaps even more importantly, drastically reduces the number of dishes you’ll have to wash afterwards. I can’t count the times I’ve felt unmotivated to cook a particular dish simply because it required cooking chicken in one pan, preparing a sauce in another, and boiling rice in a third. This recipe eliminates that common kitchen fatigue, making home cooking a joy, not a chore.

To ensure this chicken and rice skillet is a well-rounded meal, I’ve thoughtfully included broccoli and carrots. These vibrant vegetables not only add a pop of color and essential nutrients but also perfectly balance the rich, cheesy goodness. For those who like to experiment, feel free to swap these out for other favorites like peas and corn (though technically corn is a grain, it plays nicely here!). The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability and its ability to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

To bring this delightful one-pan chicken and broccoli rice recipe to life, you’ll need a simple yet flavorful lineup of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a comforting and satisfying meal:

• Oil: A good quality vegetable or olive oil is essential for sautéing your chicken and vegetables, helping them brown beautifully and build the foundational flavors of the dish.
• Chicken: For the most succulent and flavorful results, I highly recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Their dark meat stays incredibly moist and tender. However, if you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breast can also be used; just be mindful not to overcook it to prevent dryness. Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
• Onion, Garlic, and Carrots: These aromatic vegetables form the cornerstone of flavor for our dish. Diced yellow or white onion, minced garlic, and peeled, diced carrots sautéed until softened create a sweet and savory base that permeates every bite of the rice and chicken.
• Rice: Long-grain white rice is my choice for this recipe due to its fast cooking time and fluffy texture. If you opt for brown rice, please note that it will require a longer cooking time and potentially a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks through completely. Rinsing your rice before adding it can also help achieve a fluffier texture.
• Broth: Chicken broth or stock is key here, as it’s the flavorful liquid in which the rice will cook directly in the pan. Using broth instead of just water infuses the rice with a deeper, richer taste from the very beginning.
• Salt: A pinch of salt, preferably kosher salt, is vital for seasoning not just the chicken, but also the rice and broccoli. It enhances all the other flavors, bringing them into perfect harmony. Adjust to taste.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a wonderful crunch and vibrant color, as well as a healthy dose of vitamins. You can also easily use frozen broccoli florets; just add them directly to the pan, as they’ll cook quickly. Ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Cheese: The star of the “cheesy” component! Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, comforting sauce that coats everything. Feel free to experiment with your favorite melting cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend, to customize the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Creating your delicious one-pan chicken broccoli rice recipe is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Grab your largest skillet with a lid, and let’s get cooking!

1. Brown the Chicken: Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of oil in your large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly season your cut chicken pieces with salt. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until nicely browned on one side, typically about 3-4 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Browning the chicken at this stage adds a tremendous amount of flavor to the entire dish. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a separate bowl and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet (no need to clean it – those browned bits are flavor!). Reduce the heat slightly to medium. Add the diced onion, carrots, and a generous pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This step builds a foundational layer of sweetness and depth.
3. Toast the Rice and Garlic: Add the uncooked white rice and minced garlic to the softened vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the rice in the oil and vegetable juices. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the rice is slightly toasted and fragrant. This quick toasting step helps prevent the rice from clumping and adds a nutty flavor.
4. Add Broth and Bring to a Boil: Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and the remaining salt. Make sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits (fond) stuck to the bottom of the pan with your spoon – this is packed with flavor! Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
5. Simmer and Cook Rice: Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and let it cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, gently stir in the chopped fresh or frozen broccoli. Re-cover the skillet and continue to cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the broccoli is fork-tender but still retains a slight bite.
6. Finish with Cheese and Chicken: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved cooked chicken pieces. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted into a creamy sauce, coating all the ingredients. Taste and adjust for salt if needed.
7. Rest and Serve: Keep the skillet covered and let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the rice to fully absorb any remaining liquid, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful meal.

Any leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making this a fantastic meal prep option!

What if my skillet isn’t large enough for one-pan cooking?

For truly successful one-pan chicken and rice with broccoli, a large 12-inch skillet with a tight-fitting lid is ideal as it provides ample space for all ingredients to cook evenly. However, not everyone owns such a generously sized skillet. If your skillet is on the smaller side, don’t despair – you can still make this delicious recipe! Once you’ve finished browning the chicken in step 1, transfer it to a bowl as directed. Then, proceed with cooking the vegetables and rice as normal. This ensures you have enough room for the rice to cook properly. Just before stirring in the cheese and serving in step 6, return the cooked chicken to the pan to heat through with the rest of the ingredients. This minor adjustment ensures you still get that incredible flavor without overcrowding your pan.

Tips for Success & Variations:

• Perfect Rice: For even fluffier rice, consider rinsing it under cold water before adding it to the skillet. This removes excess starch.
• Add a Kick: For a bit of heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
• Herbaceous Notes: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or oregano can be added with the broth for an extra layer of flavor.
• Creamier Texture: For an even richer, creamier dish, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream along with the shredded cheese.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to customize with other quick-cooking vegetables. Peas, corn, diced bell peppers, or spinach (stirred in at the very end until wilted) would all be delicious additions.
• Cheese Swaps: While cheddar is classic, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend would also melt wonderfully and offer different flavor profiles.

More Irresistible Chicken Recipes to Try

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this one-pan chicken with broccoli and rice, you’re in for a treat! We have a collection of other fantastic easy chicken dinners that are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for two. Explore these other chicken recipes, each designed to bring flavor and simplicity to your kitchen:

• Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole: A bright and savory baked dish that’s perfect for a comforting family meal.
• Rice Stuffed Chicken: Elegant yet simple, these chicken breasts are filled with a flavorful rice and mushroom stuffing.
• Balsamic Chicken with Tomatoes: A vibrant skillet dinner featuring tangy balsamic glaze and sweet tomatoes, ideal for a quick romantic meal.
• Chicken Pot Pie Pasta: All the creamy, comforting flavors of a classic chicken pot pie, transformed into a hearty pasta dish.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
35 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a comforting one-pan chicken and rice dinner you can easily cook after a long busy day. This skillet chicken and rice can be ready in under an hour with only one pan to wash!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
• 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup diced yellow or white onion
• 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (not instant/minute rice*)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 + 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, preferably kosher
• 1 cup chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 + 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a deep 12-inch skillet with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly salt the chicken pieces then add them to the skillet in a single layer. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.
2. Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and a big pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the uncooked rice and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir until the rice is coated in oil and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until slightly toasted and fragrant.
4. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and the remaining salt, making sure to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the skillet tightly with its lid and cook for 10 minutes without lifting the lid.
6. Carefully lift the lid and stir in the chopped fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Re-cover the skillet and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender, and the broccoli is fork-tender. Stir in the shredded cheese and the previously cooked chicken until the cheese is completely melted and the chicken is heated through.
7. Taste and adjust for salt if necessary. Remove the skillet from the heat, keep it covered, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to achieve perfect texture.

Notes

• *To use Instant/Minute Rice, reduce the chicken broth to 1 cup. Add the broccoli along with the Minute Rice and garlic. Cover with a lid then cook for 5 minutes or until the rice is soft and the liquid is absorbed, then proceed to stir in cheese and chicken.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Lemon Chicken Rice Casserole and Rice Stuffed Chicken for more delicious chicken and rice combinations.

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• 12 Inch Large Skillet

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First published September 5, 2016