Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; Salt and pepper to taste

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet is a delicious and easy-to-make one-pan meal. Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice are all cooked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 chicken breasts, diced

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup long-grain rice

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

Salt and pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly tender.

Add rice to the skillet, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in milk and shredded cheddar cheese, cooking until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, and stir everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve warm, garnished with additional cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish should last for 3-4 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I simply warm it up in the microwave or heat it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it needs a bit of moisture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, I can use brown rice instead of white rice, but I need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so I would increase the chicken broth by about 1/2 cup and extend the cooking time by an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

I like using fresh broccoli for this recipe, but frozen broccoli can also work. If I use frozen broccoli, I just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is my go-to for its creamy melt and flavor, I can easily swap it for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheeses for a different twist.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I prefer to make it fresh, but I can prepare most of the components ahead of time. I could cook the chicken, rice, and broccoli and store them in the fridge. Then, when I’m ready to serve, I just combine them in the skillet, add the cheese and milk, and heat everything up.

Can I make this dish without the rice?

If I want a lower-carb version, I can skip the rice and substitute it with cauliflower rice or just increase the amount of broccoli and chicken for a delicious, hearty meal.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet is a winner in my book. It’s a quick, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and requires minimal cleanup. Whether I’m cooking for a busy weeknight or a weekend dinner, it’s always a hit with family and friends. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s a perfect all-in-one meal that never disappoints!

Recipe: