Looking for a comforting, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require a mountain of dishes afterward? Meet your new favorite recipe: the **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice**. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and bright green broccoli—an irresistible mix that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, reducing your cleanup time substantially.
- Family Favorite: The cheesy, chicken-broccoli combo is a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable for different tastes or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice** is its simplicity. Each ingredient is a flavor powerhouse, from the sharp cheddar to the savory chicken broth, coming together to create a comforting dish.
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sauté everything to perfection.
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced: Offers a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy, these pieces are the heart of the meal.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a robust aroma that elevates everything else.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in each ingredient.
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice: The base that soaks up all of the delightful flavors.
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli: Provides nutrition and a pop of color, transforming it into a visual feast.
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without overwhelming it with sodium.
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese: The creamy finale that makes this dish melt in your mouth delicious.
Variations
Feel free to make this **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice** your own! It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes customizations based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth to transform it into a nourishing vegetarian dish.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for those who like some heat.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy experience.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Step 1: Sautéing the Ingredients
Start by warming two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in your trusty large pot. Add the diced onions, letting them soften and turn translucent after a few minutes. This will be your flavor foundation.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken
Increase the heat to medium-high and toss in your seasoned chicken pieces. You want to let them brown nicely, adding a delicious caramelized depth. Once browned, add the minced garlic, stirring for another two minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Incorporating the Rice
Shift the chicken to one side of the pot, making space to let another tablespoon of olive oil shine. Add the uncooked rice, giving it a quick sauté until it begins to gleam golden, approximately 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Add your chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a delightful boil. Once bubbling, cover the pot and reduce the heat, letting the rice and chicken cook for about 12 minutes.
Step 5: Adding Broccoli
Prepare your broccoli florets by cutting them into bite-sized pieces. Stir them into the pot, replacing the lid, and allow another 8 minutes of cooking for complete tenderness.
Step 6: Cheesy Finish
Remove from heat and coax in half a cup of sharp cheddar. Stir it through, then sprinkle the remaining cheese atop and cover once more until the cheese melts gloriously, around 2-3 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
- Golden Rice Sauté: Sauté your rice until it’s a lovely golden color for a nutty taste that brings depth to the dish.
- Broccoli Perfection: Cut the broccoli florets into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- Cheese Selection: Use extra sharp cheddar for the best balance between creaminess and a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Cover and Rest: Let the dish rest with the cover on for a couple of minutes after cooking, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Garnishes
For that final touch, garnish your **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice** with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. These herbs add a hint of color and a refreshing burst of flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, cheesy base.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish is often enough on its own, but if you’re entertaining or simply crave a little extra, serve it with a crisp green salad or a light coleslaw. The fresh crunch complements the savoriness of the dish wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve it in individual cast iron pans straight to the table. This not only keeps the dish warm but also makes for a charming rustic presentation that delights every diner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this delicious dish, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to three days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors all over again.
Freezing
To freeze your **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice**, make sure it’s completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to three months, making it a great option for pre-prepared home-cooked meals.
Reheating
Reheat your dish gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to bring back its original creamy consistency. Alternatively, it can be reheated in the microwave, covered, to avoid it drying out.
FAQs
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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 slightly as brown rice takes longer to cook. Consider par-cooking it before adding to the pot.
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What’s the best way to cut the chicken?
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors. Make sure they’re not too big or they may not cook through as quickly.
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Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Sliced bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms make fantastic additions. Just be sure to add them at the right time so they’re perfectly cooked.
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How do I keep the broccoli from getting mushy?
Ensure your broccoli florets are cut uniformly and added towards the end of the cooking process. They should maintain their vibrant color and slight bite.
Final Thoughts
Embrace the ease and flavor of this **One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice** recipe by trying it in your kitchen tonight. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite, and I promise, your family is going to ask for seconds!
Print
One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A savory and nutritious one-pot meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy white rice infused with cheesy goodness, perfect for a quick family dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli, cut into florets
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Fats and Oils
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Cheese and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Sauté onions and chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then increase the heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add garlic and rice: Push the cooked chicken to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the other side, then add the uncooked rice. Sauté the rice for 2-3 minutes until it starts to turn golden.
- Cook rice and chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let simmer for about 12 minutes.
- Add broccoli and finish cooking: While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces. After the initial 12 minutes, stir in the broccoli, cover, and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until both broccoli and rice are tender.
- Incorporate cheese: Remove the pan from heat and stir in ½ cup of shredded cheese until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, cover, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt completely and blend flavors.
- Serve: Mix everything together once more, serve hot, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add extra spices like paprika or thyme for more flavor variation.
- Make sure not to overcook the rice to keep it fluffy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For a creamier version, stir in a splash of milk or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
