One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice

Imagine the aroma of savory chicken and fluffy rice mingling with melted cheese and tender broccoli, all coming together in a single pan. This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition for flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without the mess of multiple pots and pans. You’ll learn how to create a perfectly balanced meal where creamy textures meet protein-packed ingredients in one convenient dish that the whole family will request again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice recipe will quickly become a household favorite for several compelling reasons. First, the convenience factor is unmatched—everything cooks in a single pan, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening. The creamy, cheesy rice creates a luxurious base that perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken pieces.

The contrast between the slight crunch of perfectly cooked broccoli and the velvety texture of the cheese sauce creates a satisfying mouthfeel with every bite. Plus, this dish strikes the ideal balance between comfort food and nutrition, offering protein, vegetables, and carbs in one complete meal.

Parents especially appreciate how this cheesy chicken and rice casserole sneaks vegetables onto picky eaters’ plates—the broccoli becomes irresistible when coated in the savory cheese sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish delivers both convenience and flavor.

Ingredients

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

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 3½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 oz)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The chicken provides lean protein while the broccoli adds essential vitamins. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich, complex flavor that elevates this simple one-pan meal to restaurant quality.

Pro Tips

Season in Layers
The secret to a flavorful One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice dish is seasoning at every stage. Season the chicken before cooking, then add another layer of seasoning when adding the rice. This builds depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by only seasoning at the end. For maximum flavor development, allow the onions to cook until translucent before adding the garlic and rice.

Perfect Rice Texture
To prevent mushy or undercooked rice, rinse it thoroughly before adding to remove excess starch. This single step ensures each grain remains separate and fluffy. Additionally, resist the urge to stir the rice too frequently during cooking—this breaks down the grains and releases more starch, resulting in a gummy texture instead of the light, fluffy consistency we’re aiming for in this cheesy chicken and rice dish.

Cheese Application Technique
Add the cheese in two stages for the ultimate cheesy experience. Mix half the cheese into the hot rice mixture where it will melt completely and create a creamy sauce, then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and cover the pan for 2-3 minutes. This creates that Instagram-worthy cheese pull when serving your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice masterpiece.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides but not completely cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. The fond (brown bits) on the bottom of the pan from the chicken will incorporate into your dish, adding tremendous flavor to your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice.

Step 3: Add Rice and Liquid
Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly and coat with the flavored oil. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. Return the chicken to the pan, along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate Broccoli
After 10 minutes, the rice should be partially cooked. Gently stir in the broccoli florets, pushing them slightly into the rice mixture but not completely submerging them. This ensures they steam properly without becoming mushy. Re-cover the pan and continue cooking for 8-10 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender.

Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in half the cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top, cover, and let stand for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely. Finish your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving.

Variations

Southwest Style
Transform your One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice into a fiesta of flavors by adding 1 diced bell pepper with the onions, substituting pepper jack for cheddar cheese, and incorporating 1 teaspoon of cumin and chili powder. After cooking, top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican-inspired twist that brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your dinner table.

Mediterranean Version
For a Mediterranean variation, replace the cheddar with feta cheese, add halved cherry tomatoes and baby spinach instead of broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking, and incorporate 1 teaspoon of oregano with the other herbs. Finish with a sprinkle of Kalamata olives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a sophisticated take on this cheesy chicken and rice dish that transports you straight to the Mediterranean coast.

Vegetarian Option
Create a meatless version by omitting the chicken and substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth. Add 1½ cups of chickpeas or white beans for protein, and consider adding cauliflower florets along with the broccoli for textural variety. This plant-based adaptation maintains all the comforting, cheesy goodness of the original One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice while accommodating vegetarian dietary preferences.

Storage and Serving

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice stores beautifully in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep. For longer storage, portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.

For serving, pair this hearty dish with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. For a more substantial meal, serve with crusty garlic bread for sopping up the creamy sauce. Transform leftovers into stuffed bell peppers by hollowing out peppers, filling with the reheated mixture, topping with additional cheese, and baking until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly—an ingenious way to repurpose this already convenient one-pan meal.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically requires 35-40 minutes to cook, so add the broccoli much later in the process (about 10 minutes before the rice is done) to prevent overcooking the vegetables.

My rice turned out mushy. What went wrong?
This usually happens from using too much liquid or stirring too frequently. Make sure to use the exact ratio of rice to liquid specified, and resist the urge to stir while the rice is cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice dish. Add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking since it doesn’t need as much time to become tender as fresh broccoli.

Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut cream to achieve creaminess without dairy. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the dish will still be delicious.

Can I make this in advance for a dinner party?
Absolutely! Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the cheese. Refrigerate, then reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth before adding the cheese just before serving.

Conclusion

This One-Pan Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is comfort food at its finest — creamy, satisfying, and surprisingly balanced with protein, vegetables, and grains coming together in perfect harmony. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into special family moments, proving that nutritious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, looking for efficient meal prep options, or simply craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe delivers on all fronts while keeping cleanup to a minimum.

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