One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Imagine the aroma of perfectly seasoned chicken mingling with fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and melty cheese—all coming together in a single pan. That’s the magic of One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in one delicious meal. This family-favorite casserole strikes the perfect balance between convenience and flavor, requiring minimal cleanup while delivering maximum satisfaction. You’ll learn how to create this hearty one-dish wonder with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques that guarantee success every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is about to become your new weeknight hero for multiple reasons. First, everything cooks in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes and less cleanup—perfect for busy evenings when you want something hearty without the hassle. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and bright broccoli creates a satisfying textural experience, while the blanket of melted cheese adds that irresistible gooey comfort factor.

The dish hits all the right notes: protein-packed chicken pieces that remain juicy and flavorful, perfectly cooked rice that absorbs all the savory flavors from the broth, and broccoli florets that maintain just enough bite. The cheesy chicken and rice mixture creates a creamy texture that feels indulgent while still being wholesome enough for a family dinner. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit picky eaters or dietary preferences—making this cheesy chicken broccoli bake a true kitchen MVP.

Ingredients

For this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

The quality of your chicken broth significantly impacts the overall flavor of this chicken and broccoli rice casserole, so use the best you can find. Fresh broccoli works better than frozen in this recipe as it maintains a better texture during cooking.

Pro Tips

Season in Layers: For the most flavorful One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice, season each component rather than just at the end. Season the chicken before browning, add aromatics to the rice before adding liquid, and finish with a touch of salt on the broccoli. This builds a depth of flavor impossible to achieve with last-minute seasoning alone.

Perfect Rice Texture: The key to perfectly cooked rice in this dish is to avoid stirring once the broth is added. After adding the liquid, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat, cover tightly, and resist the urge to peek or stir. This allows the rice to cook evenly without becoming sticky or mushy in your cheesy chicken mixture.

Broccoli Timing Matters: Add the broccoli at the right moment—too early and it becomes mushy, too late and it remains raw. Place the broccoli on top of the partially cooked rice mixture about 5 minutes before the rice is done. The steam will perfectly cook the florets while maintaining their bright green color and slight crunch, creating the ideal broccoli cheese casserole texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the cubed chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Brown the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the dried thyme and garlic powder, toasting the spices briefly to release their aromas.

Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the pan, stirring to coat the grains in the flavorful oil mixture. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these contain tremendous flavor! Return the browned chicken (along with any accumulated juices) to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli
After 10 minutes of cooking the rice, gently place the broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture without stirring. Replace the lid and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, and the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese
Remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the broccoli and chicken mixture. Cover again with the lid and let stand for 2-3 minutes until the cheese has melted completely. If using, sprinkle with grated Parmesan for an extra flavor dimension. Serve your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice hot, directly from the pan.

Variations

Creamy Version: Transform this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice into an even more indulgent dish by adding ½ cup of cream cheese with the broth. Stir in the cream cheese until melted before adding the rice for an ultra-creamy texture throughout. This variation creates a richer, more decadent chicken broccoli rice that’s reminiscent of a risotto.

Mediterranean Twist: Give your cheesy broccoli rice casserole a Mediterranean flair by substituting feta for cheddar, adding ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes and ¼ cup chopped Kalamata olives with the broccoli. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano instead of thyme and finish with fresh lemon zest for brightness.

Veggie-Packed Option: Double down on vegetables by adding 1 diced red bell pepper with the onions and incorporating 1 cup of frozen peas with the broccoli. This colorful variation increases the nutritional value while adding beautiful visual appeal to your one-pan chicken and rice dish.

Storage and Serving

This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, especially if reheating in the microwave.

For serving, transform this humble one-pot meal into a dinner-worthy presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives. Pair with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken broccoli mixture.

For an elegant dinner party presentation, transfer the finished dish to a decorative casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread for sopping up the flavorful sauce from this delicious broccoli cheese casserole.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires about 45 minutes to cook and needs approximately 4 cups of broth instead of 3½. Add the broccoli during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Is it possible to use frozen broccoli?
Frozen broccoli works in a pinch but may result in a softer texture. Thaw and drain it well before adding, and reduce the final cooking time by 2-3 minutes since frozen broccoli is partially cooked.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare this One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice up to the point before adding cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth, then add cheese and finish according to the recipe.

What if my rice isn’t fully cooked by the end of the suggested time?
If your rice needs more time, add an additional ¼ cup of hot broth or water, cover, and cook for 5 more minutes until the rice reaches your desired tenderness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay juicier. The cooking time remains the same, but they’ll add a slightly richer flavor to your cheesy chicken broccoli casserole.

Conclusion

This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is comfort food at its finest — a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and grains brought together by melty cheese and savory seasonings. It’s the kind of dish that rescues weeknight dinners when time is short but you refuse to compromise on flavor or nutrition. With its perfect balance of convenience and heartiness, this recipe proves that delicious, family-pleasing meals don’t require culinary expertise or endless dishes—just one pan and quality ingredients coming together in beautiful simplicity.

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