One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, cheesy sauce—all cooked in a single pot for ultimate ease. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering hearty flavors with minimal cleanup.

I first made this when I wanted a quick, wholesome dinner that felt like comfort food without the hassle of multiple dishes. The way the cheese melted into the rice, coating the juicy chicken and crisp-tender broccoli, made every bite irresistibly creamy and satisfying. Plus, the one-pot method made cleanup a breeze!

What’s great about One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is how customizable it is. You can swap in brown rice for a healthier twist, add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots, or use different cheeses for a unique flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight dinners
• Family-friendly meals
• Meal prepping
• Comfort food cravings
• One-pot meal lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice deserves a spot in your meal rotation:

• One-Pot Simplicity: Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Cheesy Goodness: A creamy, melty cheese sauce coats every bite for ultimate comfort.
• Tender Chicken: Juicy, seasoned chicken adds protein and flavor to the dish.
• Perfectly Cooked Rice: The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors while cooking.
• Nutritious Addition: Broccoli adds color, texture, and nutrients to the meal.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable pantry staples.
• Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters love this cheesy, comforting dish.
• Great for Leftovers: Reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to suit your taste.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Additions:

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits (for extra flavor)
• ¼ cup parmesan cheese (for added richness)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (for depth of flavor)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall taste while cooking the rice.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty finish to the dish.
• Broccoli: Adds a fresh, nutritious crunch to balance the richness.
• Garlic and Onion: Build a flavorful base for the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken:

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté Chicken: Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Rice:

3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Combine and Cook:

5. Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and reduce heat to low. Let it cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add Broccoli: When the rice is almost tender, stir in the broccoli. Cover and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still vibrant.

Finish with Cheese:

7. Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices if needed.

Serve:

9. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot, optionally topped with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice:

• With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
• Topped with Extra Cheese: Add an extra sprinkle of cheddar before serving.
• As a Meal Prep Option: Portion into containers for easy weekday lunches.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Topped with Hot Sauce: Drizzle with your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with extra roasted veggies for added nutrition.
• In a Wrap: Use leftovers as a filling for a cheesy chicken wrap.
• With a Side of Soup: Pair with a bowl of tomato or chicken soup.
• As a Casserole: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a crispy top.
• With Avocado Slices: Add fresh avocado for a creamy contrast.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh or Frozen Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds a slight crunch, while frozen broccoli blends in softer. If using frozen, add it a few minutes earlier to ensure it heats through.
• Toast the Rice First – Sautéing the rice in butter for 1–2 minutes before adding liquid enhances its flavor and prevents mushiness.
• Choose the Right Cheese – Sharp cheddar melts well and adds a rich taste, but mixing in mozzarella or Parmesan can boost the cheesiness.
• Add a Splash of Cream – For an extra creamy texture, stir in a little heavy cream or sour cream before serving.
• Season in Layers – Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder should be added at different stages to build depth in flavor.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness – While chicken breasts work fine, boneless, skinless thighs stay more tender and flavorful.
• Let It Rest – After cooking, cover and let the dish sit for 5 minutes. This helps the rice absorb any remaining liquid and makes it even creamier.
• Add a Crunchy Topping – Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crispy fried onions on top for added texture.
• Make It Spicy – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give it a mild kick without overpowering the dish.
• Store and Reheat Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it from drying out.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Mexican-Inspired: Stir in cumin, chili powder, and black beans for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Creamy Ranch: Mix in ranch seasoning for a tangy flavor boost.
• Buffalo Style: Drizzle with buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Extra Protein: Stir in cooked bacon or diced ham.
• Veggie-Packed: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for more vegetables.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just ensure the broth is certified GF.
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat cheese and skim milk for a lower-calorie meal.
• Herb-Infused: Add fresh basil or parsley for a bright, herby finish.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet or Pot: A deep skillet or Dutch oven works best.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring without scratching the pan.
• Lid: Essential for properly cooking the rice.
• Grater: For freshly shredded cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use brown rice?
   Yes, but increase the cooking time and add extra broth as needed.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
4. What’s the best cheese to use?
   Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can mix in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
   Yes! Use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
6. Why is my rice mushy?
   Overcooking or too much liquid can cause this—use the right ratio and cook on low heat.
7. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
   Definitely! Simply stir in shredded rotisserie chicken at the end.
8. How do I reheat it?
   Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy.
9. Can I add more veggies?
   Yes! Peppers, mushrooms, or peas work great.
10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours, stirring in cheese at the end.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a creamy, comforting meal that’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich, melty cheese sauce. Made in just one pot, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering big flavor with minimal cleanup. Every bite is a delicious blend of cheesy, savory, and wholesome goodness.

This recipe is easy to customize—swap in brown rice, add extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots, or spice it up with a dash of paprika or red pepper flakes. Serve it on its own or pair it with a crisp side salad for a balanced meal.

I can’t wait to see how your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!