One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Recipe

Looking for a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dinner recipe that the entire family will love? This One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice dish is the answer! Not only is it packed with delicious flavors, but it's also incredibly convenient since everything cooks together in one pan. That means minimal cleanup and maximum taste! So, if you're looking for a fuss-free meal that doesn’t skimp on taste, keep reading to discover how to make this delicious recipe. Trust us, by the end of this article, you’ll be ready to whip up this savory comfort food for dinner tonight.

What is One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice?

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a classic, wholesome dish that combines juicy, tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and nutritious broccoli all tied together with creamy, melted cheese. The best part? You only need one pan to cook the whole meal, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your food. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or just someone who wants a simple meal without a big mess, this dish is perfect for you.

Ingredients List for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need. You likely already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe even more convenient!

• Chicken Breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces.
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli florets.
• Long Grain White Rice: 1 cup, uncooked.
• Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups, low sodium is preferred.
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice).
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for sautéing.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon for browning the chicken.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste.
• Pepper: ½ teaspoon, ground.
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon for added flavor.
• Milk: ¼ cup to make the cheese sauce extra creamy (optional).
• Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the reasons this dish is so popular is that it’s versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have available or personal dietary preferences.

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, you can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs. They’re juicier and add a richer flavor.
• Brown Rice or Quinoa: For a healthier twist, swap out the white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Just be mindful that these may require a longer cooking time and extra broth.
• Cauliflower Rice: If you're cutting back on carbs, cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute. It cooks faster and adds more vegetables to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Option: You can use dairy-free cheese and almond milk for a lactose-intolerant-friendly version of this recipe.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or peas for extra color and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step process. Don’t worry, even if you’re not an experienced cook, this recipe is simple enough to follow.

How to Cook One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Chicken
   Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. This ensures that your chicken is well-flavored throughout the cooking process.
2. Heat the Pan
   In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
   In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Add the chopped onions and garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they become fragrant and slightly translucent.
4. Add the Rice and Broth
   Pour in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir everything together to make sure the rice is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the rice is almost fully cooked.
5. Add the Broccoli
   Once the rice is nearly done, add the broccoli florets on top. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it first. Cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green.
6. Mix in the Cheese and Chicken
   After the rice and broccoli are cooked, stir in the cooked chicken and shredded cheese. If you want an extra creamy texture, you can also add the ¼ cup of milk at this stage. Stir everything until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.
7. Final Simmer
   Let the entire mixture cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, just to make sure all the flavors meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice turns out perfect every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can become dry if overcooked. Be sure to remove it from the pan once it’s just cooked through to maintain its juiciness.
• Mushy Rice: Be careful not to add too much liquid when cooking the rice, or you’ll end up with a mushy texture. Stick to the recipe’s liquid-to-rice ratio for best results.
• Undercooking the Broccoli: Add the broccoli towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming overcooked and losing its vibrant color and crunch.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This dish is not only delicious, but it also looks great when presented well. Follow these simple serving and presentation tips to elevate your meal.

How to Serve One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Serve this dish hot, straight from the pan. It's a complete meal on its own with protein, vegetables, and grains, so you don’t need to worry about additional sides. If you want to add a little something extra, a side salad or some garlic bread pairs nicely.

Presentation Ideas for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

• Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top of the dish for a burst of color and a fresh, herby flavor.
• Individual Servings: You can serve the dish in individual bowls for a more polished look, especially if you’re hosting guests.
• Layer the Cheese: After adding the cheese to the pan, consider saving a bit to sprinkle on top. Let it melt and form a cheesy crust for an added touch of indulgence.

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe Tips

Here are a few expert tips to make sure this recipe turns out amazing every single time:

• Use Fresh Cheese: Grating your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese gives a creamier texture since pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents.
• Don’t Rush the Simmering: Let the rice cook slowly and absorb all the liquid. Rushing this step can result in undercooked rice or a dry dish.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your food before serving. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, if you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken, you can stir it in towards the end of the cooking process. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning since pre-cooked chicken may already be seasoned.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm up in a pan or microwave.

Q: What can I use instead of broccoli?
A: You can substitute broccoli with cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the vegetable you use.

Conclusion

There you have it! A complete guide to making a delicious, comforting One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice dinner. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a balanced meal with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and cheesy rice makes this recipe a family favorite. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, you’ll love how easy and satisfying this dish is. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and give this recipe a try – your taste buds will thank you!

Make sure to bookmark this recipe or share it with friends. Happy cooking!

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