Description
This one-pan meal is the ultimate comfort food! Juicy chicken, tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked rice come together in a dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 head fresh broccoli (cut into small florets) or 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter.
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pan, add diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Cook the Rice:
- Add rinsed rice to the pan and stir gently for 1-2 minutes to toast it. Pour in the chicken broth and stir.
- Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli and Chicken:
- When the rice is nearly done, stir in the broccoli and cooked chicken. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender and rice is fully cooked.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar over the dish, cover, and let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Rinse the Rice: Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch, ensuring the grains remain fluffy and don’t clump or become mushy during cooking.
- Add Broccoli at the Right Time: For fresh broccoli, add it 5 minutes before the rice is done to maintain its vibrant color and tender-crisp texture. For frozen broccoli, no need to thaw—add it directly and cook until heated through.
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar melts better and creates a smoother, creamier texture compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins