Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice

4.45 from 9 votes

Discover the joy of cooking with our Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice recipe. Perfect for family dinners, this dish is easy and full of flavor!

Prep Time30

Cook Time30

Total Time1

Course: Dinner

Keyword: Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice

Servings:

Calories: 510kcal

Ingredients

1 lb Chicken Breast boneless & skinless
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
1/2 tsp Paprika
2 Tbsp Butter
1 Onion chopped
1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
1 Tbsp Ranch Seasoning dry seasoning
1 tsp Chicken Bouillon
2 cups Chicken Broth
1 cup White Long Grain Rice I use Basmati
2 cups Broccoli chopped into small bite sized pieces
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese shredded and divided

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, melt 1 Tbsp of butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is seared, golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 Tbsp of butter. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
Add Rice and Seasoning: Stir in the white long grain rice, ensuring that the rice is fully coated with the butter and sautéed onions. Add the dry ranch seasoning mix and chicken bouillon powder and stir to evenly distribute it throughout the rice.
Cook Rice: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for about 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Add Cheese, Broccoli and Chicken: Add 1 cup of cheese, the chopped broccoli and cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the rice. Stir to combine, then cover the skillet again and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is heated through.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cup shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

Notes

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

How to Store Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice:

Leftovers? No problem! This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat Cheesy Broccoli & Chicken Rice:

When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover and microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a crispier top, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can this be Frozen?

Yes! This recipe freezes beautifully. Divide it into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above. Perfect for those "I don't feel like cooking" nights!

Can this be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it up to the point of adding the final cheese topping. Let it cool, then refrigerate. When ready, add the cheese and heat it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. It's a great time-saver!

Substitutions & Variations:

Vegan-Friendly: Swap chicken for chickpeas, butter for olive oil, and use vegan cheese.
Low-Carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Other Veggies: Feel free to toss in bell peppers or peas.

Helpful Cooking Notes:

Rice Type: Basmati rice works great, but feel free to use any long-grain rice.
Cheese Matters: Sharp cheddar provides a nice flavor, but you can experiment with other types like Gouda or Monterey Jack.
Don’t Overcook Broccoli: If you prefer your broccoli more on the crunchy side, add it towards the end of the cooking process.

Nutrition