This cheesy chicken broccoli rice skillet meal is a one-pot dinner that is loaded with flavor.
Tender rice, seasoned chicken, and of course broccoli and cheese in each bite. A hearty, comforting, and satisfying meal the whole family can enjoy.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Meal
If you are on the search for a new chicken recipe to add to your meal plan, give this broccoli chicken dish a try. It is so simple to make and is ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients needed for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Meal
Chicken. Boneless chicken is key for this recipe. You can use any chicken breast, tenderloin, etc. Just make sure if you use a tenderloin you remove the white tendon.
Seasonings. Salt, pepper, garlic, are what I used to season the dish. If you have other spices you enjoy using go right ahead and give them a try as well.
Onion. I used a yellow onion but white will work as well for this recipe.
Rice. Minute rice is going to help give you this dish a quick cook that is ready in under 30 minutes. White or brown minute rice can work. We did white as it cooks faster.
Broth. Using chicken broth is going to help give your rice and dish a richer flavor, compared to water. You will find that you can use water and bouillon cubes if you don’t have any broth to use.
Broccoli. Fresh or frozen works for this dish. You will find fresh takes a bit longer to soften, whereas frozen broccoli just needs to be reheated.
Cheese. We used cheddar cheese, but you can swap it out with any variety and cheese as you would prefer.
How to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Meal
Ingredients needed for Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-6
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup quick-cooking rice (like minute rice)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- In an extra-large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Distribute the chopped onion to the pan, around the chicken, and cook for 3 minutes.
- Add the rice to the onion and saute for one minute before pouring the broth over the rice.
- Cook for five minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Place the broccoli in the skillet and cover with lid or aluminum foil to steam the broccoli for three minutes or until tender.
- Add ½ cup cheese to the rice and broccoli and stir to blend. Top the chicken breasts with the remaining cheese and cover until the cheese has melted.
- Serve warm.
How Big To Cut Chicken Pieces?
The key is to cut the chicken into smaller sizes. The reason for that is one, you want it to be bite-size. But also, it will cook faster if you have it cut into smaller sizes. But, also make sure the chicken is similar in size or you will find you can run into undercooked or overcooked pieces of chicken.
Storing The Chicken And Broccoli Dish
If you don’t eat it all right away, no worries. Just toss leftovers in the fridge and store them for up to 3 days. Always use your best judgment in terms of the quality of the chicken and the dish. If in doubt toss it out.
Freezing will work but the rice and broccoli will be a lot softer in texture. If you are okay with that, go right ahead and freeze for 1-2 months. Then thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven covered, or in the microwave.
Variations To Recipe
- Feel free to add in some cauliflower as well for added flavor.
- Swap cheddar cheese with Velveeta for a super creamy and cheesy mix.
- Use better than bouillon instead of chicken broth.
- Reach for bone broth for added benefits to your dish.
- Sprinkle cheese on top, and then with an oven-safe pan, toss in the oven and broil for 3-4 minutes to crisp up the cheese.
This rice recipe can be a good addition to your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try and come back and let us know your thoughts.
Find more dinner ideas listed below:
30+ Easy Instant Pot Taco Recipes for Dinner
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 cup quick-cooking rice like minute rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In an extra-large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and pepper.
Add chicken to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Distribute the chopped onion to the pan, around the chicken, and cook for 3 minutes.
Add the rice to the onion and saute for one minute before pouring the broth over the rice.
Cook for five minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Place the broccoli in the skillet and cover with lid or aluminum foil to steam the broccoli for three minutes or until tender.
Add ½ cup cheese to the rice and broccoli and stir to blend. Top the chicken breasts with the remaining cheese and cover until the cheese has melted.
Serve warm.
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