Oh, let me tell you about the magic of one-pan meals! They’re a lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. My one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice is just the ticket! It’s packed with juicy diced chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all drenched in ooey-gooey cheese. Seriously, the aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone flocking to the table in no time. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze—just one pan! It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and convenience, making it a go-to recipe I keep coming back to. Trust me, when you take that first bite, all the flavors meld together in the most delicious way, and you’ll be in cozy dinner heaven!

Ingredients List

2 cups diced cooked chicken – Use any leftover chicken you have on hand for convenience.
1 cup broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen will work; just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces.
1 cup long-grain rice – This provides the perfect texture and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
2 cups chicken broth – You can use homemade or store-bought; it adds depth to the dish.
1 cup shredded cheese – Any cheese you love will do, but I recommend cheddar for that classic cheesy goodness!
1 tablespoon olive oil – This is for sautéing and adds a nice richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that wonderful aroma and flavor kick.
1 teaspoon onion powder – It complements the garlic perfectly.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season well for the best flavor!

How to Prepare One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

Getting this delicious dish on your table is super straightforward! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting meal that everyone will love.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First, grab a large pan and heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This is where the magic begins, so let it warm up just a bit!
Once the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add 1 cup of long-grain rice, 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
Bring the mixture to a boil—oh, you’ll love the sound of that bubbling! Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover it up. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Don’t peek too often; we want that steam to do its job!
After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid (watch out for the steam!) and toss in 1 cup of broccoli florets and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir it all together until the cheese starts to melt and everything looks deliciously gooey.
Now, cover the pan again and let it cook for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the broccoli to soften and the cheese to get all melty and dreamy. You can almost taste it, right?

When the time is up, give it one last gentle stir, and your one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice is ready to be devoured! Serve it up warm, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice*. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, but this will give you a solid idea of what you’re working with:

Calories: 450
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 75mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 30g

These numbers are just estimates, but they still give you a good idea of how hearty and satisfying this dish can be. It’s a great balance of protein, carbs, and that comforting cheesy goodness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation: This meal comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is not on your side.
Flavorful and satisfying: With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melting cheese, every bite is bursting with flavor that will leave you wanting more!
Family-friendly meal: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish—it’s a hit with everyone at the dinner table, and you can customize it to suit their tastes!
One-pan convenience for easy cleanup: Less mess means more time to enjoy your meal and relax with your loved ones. Just one pan to wash—how great is that?

Tips for Success

Want to ensure your *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice* turns out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips to help you nail it:

Check your stove: Every stove is a bit different, so keep an eye on the cooking times. If you find that things are cooking too fast, lower the heat a little. Conversely, if it seems to be taking longer, you might need to extend the cooking time by a couple of minutes.
Use a tight-fitting lid: This is crucial! A good lid helps trap steam, which is essential for cooking the rice and broccoli evenly. If your lid doesn’t fit snugly, you might end up with a drier dish.
Experiment with veggies: Don’t hesitate to mix in other vegetables! Spinach, bell peppers, or even peas can add a wonderful twist. Just make sure they’re cut small enough to cook through in the time specified.
Cheese it up: Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices! While I love cheddar, you might try pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even mozzarella for that stretchy cheese effect. The sky’s the limit!
Season to taste: Always taste your dish before serving! Adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can elevate the flavors even more.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit covered for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld together and makes for a slightly creamier texture.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re set for a delicious, cozy meal that’s sure to impress!

Variations

The beauty of my *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice* is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try that will keep things exciting at the dinner table:

Cheese Galore: Switch up the cheese! Try using pepper jack for a spicy kick, or go for a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a creamy, savory twist. You can even mix in some feta for a tangy surprise!
Herb Infusion: Add a burst of flavor by tossing in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can stir them in right at the end for a fresh taste that really brightens the dish.
Veggie Medley: Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables! Bell peppers, peas, or even corn can add vibrant color and texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using heartier veggies like carrots.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. It’s a great way to spice things up without overwhelming the original flavors!
Protein Swap: Don’t have chicken on hand? No problem! You can use diced turkey, cooked shrimp, or even firm tofu to keep it hearty and delicious. Just make sure your protein is cooked through before adding it to the pan.
Creamy Twist: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream right before serving. It adds richness that takes the dish to a whole new level!

With these variations, you can keep your *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice* fresh and exciting, making it a dish you’ll never tire of!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice*, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more enjoyable! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect pairing. It adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy, cheesy dish. Try mixing in some cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a sprinkle of feta for an extra zing!
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a slice of warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s great for mopping up any cheesy goodness left on your plate. Plus, who doesn’t love garlic bread?
Steamed Vegetables: If you want to keep it simple and healthy, serve up some steamed veggies like carrots or green beans on the side. They’re easy to prepare and add some vibrant color to your meal!
Fruit Salad: For a sweet finish, a light fruit salad can be a delightful complement. The natural sweetness of fruits like berries, watermelon, or pineapple can balance the savory flavors of your main dish.
Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a nice crunch and a bit of acidity that can cut through the richness of the cheese. It’s also super easy to whip up ahead of time!
Roasted Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for something heartier, some crispy roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges can make for a satisfying side. They’re great for both texture and flavor!

With any of these options, you can create a well-rounded meal that’s not only delicious but also makes your dining experience feel special. Enjoy every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this amazing *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice*, and now you’ve got some delicious leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good on round two!

First, let it cool down a bit before storing. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This is super important to keep everything fresh and prevent any drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just remember to label it so you don’t forget when you made it—trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it!

If you want to keep it for even longer, you can freeze it! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or even zip-top bags. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It should stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

Now, when it comes to reheating, the best way to do this is gently. You can pop it in the microwave, but I recommend using a microwave-safe dish and covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through.

If you have time, reheating on the stovetop is even better! Just add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan and heat it over low until it’s nice and hot, stirring often. This way, it stays creamy and delicious, just like when you first made it!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your *one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice* again without missing a beat in flavor or texture!

One Pan Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice: 5-Minute Magic

Author: [email protected]
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A simple one-pan meal featuring cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
Add rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes.
Add broccoli and cheese. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender and cheese is melted.

Notes

You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
Adjust the amount of cheese based on your preference.
Feel free to add other vegetables if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: one pan cheesy chicken broccoli and rice

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