Try these other easy dinner ideas:
Southwest Chicken and Rice Casserole
Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs
Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes and Green Beans
Smothered Chicken and Gravy
Arroz Con Pollo (Cheesy Chicken and Rice)
What is needed to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice?
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp salted butter, divided
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (Jasmine or Basmati works well)
- 2 cups roughly chopped fresh broccoli
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper (adjust to taste)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Place in a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika so the pieces are evenly coated.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage since it will finish cooking with the rice.
3. Push the chicken and garlic to one side of the pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the empty side and, once melted, add the rice. Toast the rice for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat it in butter and pick up any flavor from the pan.
4. Stir in the chopped broccoli and pour in the chicken broth. Mix everything together, bring to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to a low simmer.
5. Cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid. Check for doneness and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the grated cheddar evenly over the top.
7. To melt the cheese, either replace the lid and let it sit on the turned-off burner for a couple of minutes, or transfer the skillet briefly under a hot broiler until the cheese bubbles and lightly browns. Be careful with the broiler and watch closely to avoid burning.
What to serve it with
This is a satisfying, hearty dish on its own, but it pairs nicely with garlic bread or breadsticks and a fresh dinner salad to add brightness and crunch.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating — feedback helps a lot and I love hearing from you!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp Salted Butter, divided
- 4-5 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 1 Cup Long grain white rice I used Basmati
- 2 Cups Roughly Chopped Fresh Broccoli
- 2 Cups Chicken Broth
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 1-2 tbsp each Garlic Powder, Onion Powder and Paprika
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
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Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with garlic powder, onion powder and paprika.
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Heat 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken about 5 minutes, then add the minced garlic and cook one more minute. Push the chicken and garlic to one side of the pan.
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Add the remaining tbsp of butter to the empty side of the pan. When melted, add the rice and toast it for a couple of minutes.
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Stir in the broccoli and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
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Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 12–15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through.
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Season with salt and pepper, then add the cheddar on top.
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To melt the cheese, return the lid to the pan for a few minutes or place under the broiler briefly until melted and bubbly.
Notes
@whatsmomcookin This one pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice is one of my favorite easy go to dinners! #chickenandrice #onepotmeals #easyrecipe #chicken #broccoli #cheddar #familydinner #dinner #budgetmeals #recipe
♬ FEEL THE GROOVE – Queens Road, Fabian Graetz
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