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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe Easy One-Pot Comfort Meal

creamy cheesy chicken broccoli rice - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot meal combining tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. Perfect for busy weeknights and satisfying family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, roughly chop the broccoli florets, mince the garlic, and finely dice the onion.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked.
  5. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, coating it evenly with the butter mixture.
  6. Pour in 2 ½ cups chicken broth and 1 cup milk, stir gently to combine, and bring to a gentle boil.
  7. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  8. After 15 minutes, sprinkle the chopped broccoli evenly over the top, cover again, and cook for another 5 minutes.
  9. Remove the lid and sprinkle 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the rice mixture. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Turn off heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to thicken.
  11. Serve immediately while warm and cheesy.

Notes

Do not lift the lid during simmering to prevent rice from becoming gummy. Stir cheese in off the heat to avoid graininess. If rice is too wet after cooking, let it sit uncovered for a few minutes to absorb excess moisture. Brown rice can be used but requires more liquid and longer cooking time.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice, one-pot meal, creamy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken rice, easy dinner, comfort food