One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the creamy, cheesy goodness of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. This dish marries tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice into a single pot, making it not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this meal brings together wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, all while minimizing cleanup. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Why It Deserves a Spot
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice deserves a place in your recipe repertoire for several compelling reasons. First, it’s a complete meal in one dish, offering protein, vegetables, and carbs all in a delightful package. Second, it’s versatile; you can modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Lastly, this recipe is a time-saver, as everything cooks together and infuses flavors, making dinner a breeze without compromising on taste.
What Goes Into One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
To create this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces, boneless and skinless
- 2 1/2 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup diced onion (about 1 medium onion)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup white rice long grain
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (I used low sodium)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Before You Start: Equipment
You’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make this recipe a success:
- Large pot or Dutch oven: This is where all the magic happens, allowing for even cooking.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you get your ingredient quantities just right.
- Cutting board and knife: For prepping your chicken and vegetables.
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Made Stepwise
Now that you have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to make your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice.
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In your large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Stir in the white rice, paprika, and oregano, mixing well to coat the rice with the oil and aromatics. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Broccoli
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the broccoli florets on top, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Cheese, Please!
After the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Fluff the dish with a fork, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice with family and friends. You deserve it!
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
If you’re looking to make this dish vegan or vegetarian, here are some easy swaps:
- Replace the chicken with firm tofu or seitan for protein.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Substitute the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Omit the chicken entirely and add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added nutrition.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While cooking, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Overcooked Rice: Keep an eye on the cooking time; rice can easily become mushy if left too long.
- Undercooked Chicken: Ensure that the chicken is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Too Much Liquid: If you find your dish too soupy, remove the lid and let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Cheese Clumping: For a smoother texture, add cheese off the heat to prevent it from clumping.
Keep-It-Fresh Plan
To keep your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice fresh and tasty, consider the following tips:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking to ensure it heats through without becoming mushy.
What can I serve with One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but you could pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything up to the cooking stage, store it in the fridge, and then cook it when you’re ready to eat.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when cooking the onions for an extra kick!
If you love one-pan meals, you might also enjoy these delicious recipes:
Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details and tips to make the perfect One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This dish is sure to become a family favorite, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend, this recipe is a delicious way to bring everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In your large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- In the same pot, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the white rice, paprika, and oregano, mixing well to coat the rice with the oil and aromatics. Then, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the broccoli florets on top, cover the pot, and let everything simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- After the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Fluff the dish with a fork, serve hot, and enjoy your delicious One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice with family and friends.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out.
- You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
