Introduction

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy rice, and vibrant broccoli, it’s ready in no time and requires minimal cleanup.

One Pot Chicken and Rice with Broccoli and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2-3 small breasts)
3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
½ white onion (chopped)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 cup chicken broth
12 ounce frozen steam-in-bag broccoli (cooked)
3 cups cooked brown rice
⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (or romano cheese or a blend)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Place the chicken on a cutting board and cut into chunks or strips. Sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook until browned on both sides and no longer pink inside. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Step 5: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 6: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and let it cook down for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Stir in cooked broccoli and cooked brown rice. Add the chicken back into the pan. (Make sure the frozen broccoli is cooked ahead of time following package microwave instructions.)
Step 8: Stir the mixture gently and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. There should still be some broth remaining.
Step 9: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese to the pan.
Step 10: Stir until the cheeses melt evenly and create a creamy sauce coating the chicken and rice.
Step 11: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, swap brown rice with white rice or add a splash of cream before adding the cheese.
You can substitute fresh broccoli for the steam-in-bag variety; just sauté it with onions before adding broth.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Use shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra flavor. Just adjust cooking time as chicken thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Do I have to cook the broccoli separately?

Yes, it’s best to cook the frozen steam-in-bag broccoli ahead of time using package instructions. This ensures the broccoli is tender and doesn’t release extra water into the dish during cooking.

One Pot Chicken and Rice with Broccoli and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 90 reviews

This One Pot Chicken and Rice recipe is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender chicken breasts with cooked brown rice, steamed broccoli, and a flavorful blend of spices. Cooked entirely on the stovetop, it features a creamy, cheesy sauce made from melted cheddar and parmesan, creating a perfect weeknight meal that’s simple, hearty, and satisfying.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Seasoning Mix

1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder

Main Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 small breasts)
3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
½ white onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chicken broth
12 oz frozen steam-in-bag broccoli (cooked according to package instructions)
3 cups cooked brown rice

Cheeses

⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (or romano or blend)
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together the salt, ground pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to create a flavorful spice blend for the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cut them into chunks or strips. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces and set aside for now.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, with no pink remaining inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Sauté Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic cloves and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not browned.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook down for 2 to 3 minutes to concentrate the flavors.
Combine Broccoli, Rice, and Chicken: Stir in the pre-cooked steamed broccoli, cooked brown rice, and return the chicken pieces back into the pan. Stir well to distribute everything evenly. Note: The frozen broccoli should be microwaved ahead of time according to package instructions.
Heat Through: Allow the mixture to cook for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat until the chicken and broccoli are thoroughly heated. There should still be some chicken broth liquid at the bottom, which will help create a creamy consistency.
Add Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese to the pan with the chicken and rice mixture.
Melt the Cheese: Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted completely and combines into a creamy sauce coating all the ingredients.
Season and Serve: Taste the dish for seasoning and add additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use pre-cooked or leftover brown rice to save time in this recipe.
Ensure the frozen broccoli is fully cooked before adding to the pan to prevent sogginess.
Feel free to swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture.
To make it lower fat, reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons total.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat easily on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: one pot chicken and rice, chicken and rice skillet, cheesy chicken rice, stovetop chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner