Easy Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice
This Easy Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese, and hearty rice, this dish is a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! This dish combines perfectly cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and easy to make, with minimal clean-up!
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Tools to Use:
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving spoon
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
- 1 cup milk (whole, 2%, or non-dairy milk)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Rice and Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and diced onion. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes (or until the rice is almost fully cooked).
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them in with the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
3. Add the Cheese:
- Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the rice mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Serve:
- Once everything is combined and creamy, remove from heat.
- Serve the cheesy chicken and broccoli rice in bowls or on plates, garnished with extra cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
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Easy Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice
This Easy Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice recipe is a comforting and flavorful one-pot dish that’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese, and hearty rice, this dish is a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Serving spoon
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup long-grain white rice or brown rice for a healthier option
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 cup milk whole, 2%, or non-dairy milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika optional, for a smoky flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika (if using).
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Rice and Broccoli:
- In the same skillet, add the butter and diced onion. Cook over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes (or until the rice is almost fully cooked).
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stirring them in with the rice. Cover and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
- Add the Cheese:
- Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, return the chicken to the skillet.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt into the rice mixture, creating a creamy, cheesy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve:
- Once everything is combined and creamy, remove from heat.
- Serve the cheesy chicken and broccoli rice in bowls or on plates, garnished with extra cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Cooking:
- Use Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken on hand, this recipe becomes even quicker! Just add it in after the rice and broccoli are cooked.
- Make It Extra Cheesy: If you love cheese, you can add more shredded cheddar or even mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Add Other Veggies: For more veggies, feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the mix.
- Use Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as brown rice takes longer to cook.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
This Easy Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice recipe is the perfect comfort food for busy nights. It’s a simple, yet filling dish that’s packed with protein, veggies, and cheese. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that makes clean-up a breeze. Whether you’re making it for yourself or feeding the whole family, this dish is sure to satisfy!
This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice recipe is a perfect combination of savory, creamy, and cheesy flavors that everyone will love. With its ease and minimal ingredients, it’s a go-to meal for any occasion. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying dish anytime you need a quick, delicious dinner!
