One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the pot, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and no longer pink inside, approximately 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked rice to the pot and stir to coat with oil and flavors.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the rice cooks, cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
7. Step 7: After 12 minutes, gently stir in the broccoli florets. Cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.
8. Step 8: Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cover the pot for a few minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
9. Step 9: Stir gently to combine the cheese throughout and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor and melt.
• For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms with the onions or add a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Use brown rice instead of white, but increase the cooking time and broth amount accordingly.
• To make it gluten-free, confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free or use homemade broth.

Storage

Store leftover chicken broccoli and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Add it in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit your dietary needs.

One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 126 reviews

This One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a simple, hearty, and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, combined with nutrient-rich broccoli and fluffy white rice, all simmered together in savory low-sodium chicken broth. Finished with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish offers a creamy, flavorful twist that the whole family will love, all made in a single pot for easy cleanup.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

• 1 cup uncooked extra-long grain white rice

Liquids

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Cheese and Seasoning

• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion, mince the garlic, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, and chop the broccoli into florets to have everything ready for cooking.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot, sprinkle with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not completely cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add Rice and Broccoli: Stir in the uncooked white rice and the broccoli florets, mixing well to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
5. Pour in Broth and Simmer: Add the low-sodium chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid, about 18-20 minutes.
6. Incorporate Cheese and Finish: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Gradually mix in 1 1/2 to 2 cups of shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve: Let the dish sit covered for 2-3 minutes to thicken, then fluff the rice slightly and serve warm for a comforting, cheesy one-pot meal.

Notes

• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level and make this dish healthier.
• For a lower-fat option, reduce the amount of cheese or use a sharp cheddar with less fat.
• Fresh broccoli adds a nice texture and nutrients, but frozen broccoli can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
• If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onion and garlic.
• Ensure the rice is fully cooked before adding the cheese, as adding cheese too early may prevent the rice from absorbing the liquid properly.

Keywords: one pot, chicken broccoli rice, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy chicken recipe, weeknight meal, quick chicken dinner