One Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar Rice Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Rice and Broccoli: Stir in the uncooked white rice and the broccoli florets, mixing well to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
