One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Cheesy chicken broccoli rice is the ultimate comfort food made easy in one pan. Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy rice come together for a family-friendly dinner everyone will love.
👩🍳 One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice: Comforting Dinner Made Simple
What a week it has been. I am still trying to take it all in, but one thing stands out to me. Seeing so many people turn toward Christianity is a beautiful thing. Out of the darkest places, Jesus has a way of shining His light. I believe that is what we are watching unfold right now, and what a gift it is to know we are loved unconditionally.
Now, this is a food blog, so let’s talk about what’s cooking today. I made a Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet, and it’s the kind of one pan chicken recipe I think you’ll keep coming back to. If you are searching for a hearty chicken rice dinner that is creamy, comforting, and loaded with flavor, this one checks all the boxes. Before we get into the details though, I want to share why cooking means so much to me. If you would rather skip ahead, you’ll find the recipe waiting for you below.
Cooking has always been my way of caring for my family. I know not everyone has a mother’s presence in their life, and if that is you, I am praying for you today. For me, stepping into the kitchen is how I nurture the people I love. Using ingredients that are as wholesome and natural as I can find makes me feel like I am giving them the best. It fuels their bodies and shows them they are cared for.
Life gets busy, especially in the fall. Between my full-time job and the endless miles on the road driving my son back and forth to school, some days dinner has to be quick. That is where this recipe shines. This one pot cheesy chicken and rice with broccoli all comes together in one pan, which means easy cleanup, tender juicy chicken, cheesy rice, and vegetables in a single dish. It is the kind of meal that makes busy weeknights feel calmer.
I hope you try this recipe and that it brings a little joy to your table. And I hope you find moments, no matter how busy life gets, to do what fills your heart. If cooking is one of those things for you, I would love to hear your story in the comments. We moms need each other, and I am grateful for this space where we can share. God bless!
🛒 One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Ingredients
Savory Homemade Chicken Seasoning Blend
This homemade chicken seasoning is a flavorful blend of garlic, onion, paprika, thyme, oregano, and tarragon with a touch of turmeric and cayenne. It’s earthy, herby, and just the right mix of savory and zesty. It’s perfect for this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon dried tarragon
- ⅓ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
🥣 How to Make One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Preheat your oven to 350℉. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them on all sides with salt, black pepper, and chicken seasoning. Make sure the seasoning is rubbed in well so every bite is flavorful. Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, place the chicken thighs in the pan and sear them for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a light golden crust. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point, just browned for flavor. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly so it does not burn. Stir in the chopped onion and broccoli. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the broccoli just begins to soften.
Pour the rinsed rice into the skillet and sprinkle in the chicken seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the rice is coated in the oil and seasonings, letting it toast lightly in the pan for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring as you go to loosen any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into the broth and coats the rice mixture evenly.
Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, making sure they are evenly spaced across the rice. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or use an oven-safe lid if your pan has one. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Use a fork to fluff the rice and let the dish rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. The rice will finish absorbing any liquid as it cools slightly, leaving you with a cheesy, creamy base and juicy chicken on top.
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One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Equipment
- Oven-Proof Skillet or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 2½ lbs boneless chicken thighs
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chicken seasoning
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- ⅓ cup yellow onion (chopped)
- 2 cups broccoli (chopped)
- 1 cup white long grain rice (rinsed under cold water)
- 1 tbsp chicken seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉. Pat 2½ lbs boneless chicken thighs dry, then season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper and 2 tbsp chicken seasoning. Rub the seasoning evenly all over and let the chicken rest for about 30 minutes so the flavors soak in.
- Heat 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, sear the chicken on both sides until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 2 garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, then toss in ⅓ cup yellow onion and 2 cups broccoli. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the broccoli just begins to soften.
- Stir in the rinsed 1 cup white long grain rice with a little more 1 tbsp chicken seasoning, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper.
- Pour in 2½ cups chicken broth and stir in 2 cups cheddar cheese until combined.
- Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet.
- Cover tightly with foil, or a lid, and bake covered at 350℉ for 45 minutes.
- Once baked, fluff the rice gently with a fork and let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. The chicken will be juicy, the rice cheesy and tender, and the broccoli perfectly cooked.
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Why do I need to rinse the rice first?
Rinsing removes surface starch so the grains stay fluffy instead of clumping together. Skipping this step can make the dish too sticky.
Why cover the skillet while baking?
Covering traps steam so the rice cooks evenly in the broth. If you leave it uncovered, the liquid evaporates too quickly and the rice may end up crunchy.
What if my rice comes out undercooked?
Every oven and skillet is a little different. If the rice is still firm, stir in an extra splash of broth, cover, and return it to the oven for 10 minutes. Make sure the lid or foil is on tight.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Serving Suggestions
This cheesy chicken and rice is enough on its own, but it pairs really well with something fresh to balance it out. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette keeps the meal light, while garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect if you want to lean into the comfort food vibes. For a pop of brightness, serve with lemon wedges so everyone can squeeze a little over their plate. If you want extra veggies, roasted carrots or green beans make an easy side.
More One Pan Dishes
If you’re all about easy comfort food that doesn’t pile up dishes in the sink, these one-pot recipes will keep you inspired.
Try my Jalapeño Peach Creamed Corn with Parmesan for something unique. Sweet corn and fresh peaches get a savory kick from jalapeño, parmesan, and bacon. It’s creamy, rich, and has just the right balance of sweet and spicy.
For a bold and tangy option, Sundried Tomato Chicken with Parmesan Garlic Sauce is a favorite. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of that deep tomato flavor that makes every bite feel special.
If you love Caribbean flavors, Jamaican Jerk Rice and Beans is a cozy dish made with coconut milk, kidney beans, and warming jerk spices. You can enjoy it as a side or make it the star of the meal.
Mediterranean fans will love both One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken and Orzo and Mediterranean Chicken in Pesto Asiago Sauce. One leans bright and fresh, the other creamy and herby, and both are bursting with classic Mediterranean flavors.
When comfort food cravings hit, One-Pan Chicken Pot Pie with Rosemary Biscuits is the ultimate choice. Golden biscuits on top of a creamy filling—this one always disappears fast.
Looking for something hearty and fun? The Sweet Potato Cheeseburger Skillet is packed with beef, veggies, and a creamy cheese sauce. Or, for a twist on a classic, try Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole or my from-scratch Tater Tot Casserole for bubbly, cheesy goodness.
If rice is your thing, you can’t go wrong with One-Pan Baked Chicken and Wild Rice with Fresh Tarragon or my Easy One Pan Jerk Chicken and Rice. Both are filling, full of flavor, and perfect for family dinner.
For something lighter but still vibrant, Mediterranean Chicken with Potato Wedges combines juicy chicken with herbs, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. And if you want a fun twist, Pineapple Fried Rice is bright, savory-sweet, and surprisingly addictive.
This is pretty good. I like how easy it is.
Thank you. We love it too!