🧀 One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli 🥦🍗
Hey foodie friends! Ever had one of those weeknights when you walk in the door, juggling work, kids, pets—and one sneeze away from ordering takeout AGAIN? Yep, been there. It’s moments like these when I reach for my trusty One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli recipe. It’s hearty, comforting, and whips up in a single pot, which means fewer dishes for later (hooray!).
Let’s be honest: some meals are more than food—they’re edible hugs. This creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed dish is exactly that. It’s my go-to 30-minute crowd-pleaser that even my pickiest eaters rave about. Today, I’m bringing you into my kitchen to share every delicious detail so you can become an official dinnertime hero, too.
One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli
✨The Story Behind the Dish
I discovered this one-pot magic years ago when I was in culinary school and juggling late-night study sessions. After coming home utterly exhausted one rainy evening, I desperately craved comfort food that didn’t create a mountain of dishes. So I peeked into my fridge and found chicken, broccoli, and cheese—my fridge’s three amigos! Plus, I always have a bag of rice in the pantry (rice can honestly fix everything, right?).
The first batch was tasty, comforting—but after a few tweaks, it truly became the dinnertime hero that my friends and family now expect and request. Stirring up memories of cozy nights around the dinner table, good conversation, and lots of laughter, this dish is my foodie love language.
Sound good so far? Grab that sturdy pot and let’s get cooking!
🍲 Ingredients:
Here’s the lineup—everything easy to find and probably already chilling in your fridge and pantry!
– 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
– 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
– ½ medium-sized yellow onion, diced (adds that extra layer of savory yumminess!)
– 2 tbsp minced garlic (for that delicious aromatic kick)
– 2 cups bite-sized broccoli florets (fresh is ideal, but frozen works just fine)
– 2½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
– ½ cup water
– 2 cups uncooked extra long-grain white rice
– 2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
– Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Directions:
Alright, grab your favorite large pot, crank up that cooking playlist, and let’s create some cozy kitchen magic together.
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In your pot, heat up the olive oil on medium-high heat. Add diced onions and give them 2–3 minutes for that lovely translucent glow.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Sprinkle the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper, then toss them in the pot. Stir occasionally, letting them cook evenly on all sides for about 4–5 minutes, until no longer pink.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the chicken brown slightly—hello yum!
Step 3: Bring on the Garlic
Now add the minced garlic. Cook for another minute or until aromatic; garlic is our absolute best friend, so don’t skip this step! You’ll instantly level-up the flavors.
Step 4: Time to Add Rice
Pour in the uncooked rice, water, and chicken broth, then stir to combine. Make sure the rice is evenly submerged. Put a lid on the pot, turn the heat down to low, and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes—set yourself a timer so you don’t overcook!
Quick Reminder! Give it a quick stir halfway to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Veggies In!
Add the fresh broccoli florets, stirring gently so they nestle nicely within our tasty chicken and rice. Cover the pot again and cook an extra 7–8 minutes until everything becomes tender. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point. You’re just minutes away from comforting deliciousness!
Step 6: Time for Cheeeeeeeese
When rice and broccoli are tender (taste test approved!), remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese gently. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover the pot for about 1–2 minutes so everything melts into ooey-gooey perfection. Cue heart-eyed emoji 😍 The cheesier, the better in my book!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken, Rice & Broccoli is a superstar dish all on its own. But in case you’re feeling extra fancy, here are some fabulous add-ons and pairings to mix things up:
– Crushed red pepper flakes for extra zing.
– A squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up flavors.
– A sprinkle of parsley or chives for freshness.
– Warm garlic bread (because who doesn’t love carbs on carbs?).
– A fresh green salad drizzled with vinaigrette dressing to crisp things up a bit.
🔪 Chef-Approved Pro Tips!
– Short on time? Use pre-chopped veggies to speed things up even more. Convenience is key!
– Want extra protein? Feel free to swap chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful.
– Using frozen broccoli? Simply add an extra minute or two onto cooking time—it’ll turn out just as delicious.
– Vegetarian or meatless Monday? Substitute seasoned and sautéed tofu or chickpeas and veggie broth instead of chicken and chicken broth! Same method, equally mouthwatering.
🥕 Nutritional Information:
This recipe is easy on your schedule—and surprisingly great nutritionally, too!
– Servings: 6
– Prep Time: 10 mins
– Cook Time: 20 mins
– Total Time: 30 mins
– Calories per serving: ~430 kcal
– Protein: ~28g | Carbs: ~36g | Fat: ~20g
Each serving offers lean protein, vitamins, fiber-rich veggies, and just the right amount of comforting cheesy goodness. Meal-prep friendly and perfect for next-day leftovers, too!
Well, foodie friends, now you’ve got a new family favorite recipe up your apron sleeve! Making homemade dinners doesn’t mean hours in the kitchen or mountains of dishes. With recipes like this in your weekly rotation, dinner will be a joy to make—and even more delightful to savor.
I’d love to hear from you! Did your family fall as in love with this recipe as mine did? Any personal twists or versions? Drop your cooking adventures down in the comments below!
Happy cooking, my friends! Keep your spoons stirring, tastebuds inspired, and kitchens full of warmth, laughter, and deliciousness.
Cheers! 🍲💚
