One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over everything. Gently fold it in until melted and creamy, hugging all those tender chicken and broccoli bits. This finishing step takes the dish from simple to downright irresistible.

If you’ve ever had one of those wild days when you want dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor, this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is your new best friend. It’s my go-to comfort meal that somehow feels cozy and indulgent but comes together in just one pot—meaning fewer dishes and less stress. I love how the chicken, broccoli, and cheesy rice meld together perfectly, hitting all those savory notes and satisfying everyone at the table.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family, hosting friends on a casual night, or just craving something warm and cheesy, this dish delivers. The best part? It’s incredibly forgiving if you’re new to cooking rice or juggling timing, so you can confidently make it again and again. You’ll find yourself reaching for this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe whenever you want comfort food that’s simple, wholesome, and downright delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together like old friends, balancing protein, veggies, and cheese for creamy goodness. When shopping, keep an eye out for a good quality shredded cheddar for maximum melty flavor, and fresh chicken breasts that you can cut into bite-size pieces.

Olive oil: Use extra virgin for a nice fruity flavor; it helps brown the chicken beautifully.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they cook quickly and absorb flavors well when cut into small pieces.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, so don’t skimp on it.
Pepper: Adds a little subtle heat; freshly cracked always tastes best.
Uncooked basmati or long-grain rice: I love basmati here for its fragrant aroma, but either works well—just keep it uncooked so it absorbs all the broth.
Chicken broth: The magic liquid that cooks the rice and infuses the whole dish with savory depth.
Frozen steamable broccoli: A total time-saver and keeps veggies tender yet crisp; no need to thaw beforehand.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your taste—this gives the dish its signature cheesy ooze.

Variations

I love that this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is super versatile, so once you’ve got the base down, feel free to experiment. I often switch things up depending on what’s in my fridge or what everyone’s craving.

Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want juicier meat; just adjust cooking time accordingly. I’ve found thighs add even more flavor without drying out.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or chickpeas for protein; the cheese still keeps it rich!
Spice it up: Toss in red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a gentle kick. I’ve done this when I want something with a bit more punch.
Different cheese: Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder melt, or mix in some parmesan for extra savory notes.
Fresh broccoli: If you prefer fresh, steam or blanch it separately and fold it in at the end to keep that bright green vibrancy.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Just Right

Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until they’re golden brown on the outside but not necessarily cooked through yet—about 5 minutes. This browning adds so much flavor, so don’t rush it or overcrowd the pan.

Step 2: Add Rice and Broth

Once the chicken is perfectly browned, stir in the uncooked rice so every grain gets coated in that flavorful oil and chicken juices. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a good stir, scraping any tasty brown bits off the bottom of the pan. This step infuses your rice with deep flavor straight from the start.

Step 3: Simmer and Steam Broccoli

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer peacefully for about 15 minutes, then add the frozen broccoli right on top (no need to mix it in). Cover again and let it steam with the rice until the rice is tender and the broccoli is heated through, usually another 5-7 minutes. The broccoli steams perfectly this way without turning mushy.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Finish

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I like topping this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and a fresh bite. Sometimes, I add a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten it up. It really wakes up the flavors and balances all that cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

This recipe is a meal on its own, but I occasionally serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread for dipping up every last cheesy bite. Roasted carrots or a crisp cucumber salad also pair beautifully if you want to add more veggies to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, I sometimes spoon the cheesy chicken broccoli rice into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins and sprinkle extra cheese on top before broiling briefly for a bubbly crust. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and feels a bit fancy without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice tends to absorb any extra moisture, so when I reheat it, I add a splash of broth or water to keep everything creamy and fresh.

Freezing

Freezing cheesy rice dishes can be a bit tricky because the texture might change, but I’ve had good luck freezing this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe in meal-sized portions. Just thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on low heat with a ladle of broth or even milk to revive the creaminess without drying out the chicken or rice. Stir frequently and cover the pan so nothing sticks or overcooks. Microwave works too, just watch the time to avoid chewy chicken.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with jasmine rice or even brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook and may need more broth, so adjust cooking times and liquid accordingly to avoid undercooked rice.
Is it okay to use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch it separately before folding it into the dish at the end. This keeps the broccoli bright and prevents it from overcooking during the rice’s simmer time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. For a vegan version, replace chicken with plant proteins like chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Do I need to soak or rinse the rice before cooking?

For this recipe, rinsing the rice is optional but recommended to remove excess starch and keep the rice from getting overly sticky. No soaking is necessary since it cooks directly in the broth.
Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes! Just use a larger pot or divide the ingredients across two pots to ensure even cooking. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly with volume, so check rice doneness toward the end.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy evening but has flavors that remind me of comfort food from my childhood with a fresh twist. I’m confident you’ll find it just as satisfying and effortless, so go ahead—give it a try and make it your own trusty dinner companion throughout the week!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Variations