Go Back
- 2 cups uncooked brown rice - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gathering the right ingredients is key for this dish. First, I use brown rice because it adds a nutty flavor and is healthier than white rice. The chicken broth brings depth and richness. I cut the chicken into small pieces to ensure even cooking. For the veggies, I always choose fresh broccoli florets. Their bright color makes the dish pop. Next, I add aromatics like diced onion and minced garlic. They create a savory base that makes your kitchen smell amazing. I season with paprika and thyme. These spices enhance the flavor and make it more interesting. Finally, I mix in shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Olive oil helps cook the onions and chicken evenly, making everything taste great. Having all these ingredients ready makes cooking smooth and fun. You’ll love the cheesy, hearty mix of flavors in every bite! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent. This step builds a great base for flavor. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute. You want the garlic to become fragrant, not burnt. This adds depth to your dish. Now, add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to brown all sides. It’s important not to cook the chicken fully at this point. It will finish cooking later with the rice. This keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Once the chicken is browned, stir in the uncooked brown rice. Make sure it mixes well with the chicken and onions. Next, pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. The rice should be tender and absorb most of the broth. When the rice is cooked, it's time to add the broccoli florets. Do this right after the rice is tender. Cover the pot again and let the steam cook the broccoli for about 5 minutes. This timing helps the broccoli stay bright green and tender, not mushy. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and mixes well. Before serving, taste your dish. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Finally, fluff the mixture with a fork to combine everything nicely. Serve it hot in bowls or on plates. For a garnish, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese on top. This makes your dish look inviting and tasty. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken One Pot Delight! Using brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients than white rice. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so plan for about 30 minutes in the pot. If you prefer white rice, cut the cooking time to about 15-20 minutes. You can also try jasmine or basmati rice, but adjust the liquid based on the type you choose. To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like basil or parsley. A touch of cayenne pepper can add heat. Remember to season at each step. This builds layers of flavor, making your dish even tastier. One-pot meals save time and reduce cleanup. You cook everything in one pot, which means less mess. You can choose to cook on the stovetop or in the oven. Stovetop cooking allows for more control over heat, while the oven can give a nice even cook. {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this dish. Turkey or beef works well. Both add great flavor. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or beans. Tofu absorbs flavors well and adds protein. Beans like black beans or chickpeas also make it hearty. Cheese is key to this dish. While cheddar is tasty, you can swap it out. Mozzarella melts nicely and adds a creamy touch. Gouda brings a smoky flavor that many enjoy. If you're dairy-free, use plant-based cheese. It melts well and keeps the dish creamy. Get creative with veggies! Peas and carrots can add color and taste. You can mix in bell peppers for a sweet crunch. When using frozen veggies, add them at the end. This way, they stay bright and tender. Fresh veggies can go in earlier to cook through. They add more flavor and texture. To keep your Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken One Pot fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents odors from mixing. You can place it in the fridge right after it cools down. It lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating. When reheating, aim to keep the dish moist. The best way is to use the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to the pot. Heat on low while stirring until warm. If you use a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps steam the food and prevents it from drying out. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Freezing is a great option for leftovers. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, follow the reheating tips to warm it up well. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can use white rice. However, cooking time will change. White rice cooks faster, usually in about 15-20 minutes, compared to brown rice, which takes around 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Flavor also differs. Brown rice has a nuttier taste and chewier texture. White rice is softer and milder. If you want that extra bite, stick with brown rice. This recipe works great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Keep the meal fresh by using airtight containers. It can last up to four days in the fridge. Portioning out servings helps too. Divide the dish into single servings. This makes it easy to grab and go. You’ll have tasty meals ready for busy days. To add some heat, try spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Start small and add more if needed. Experimenting with spices lets you tailor the dish. Mix in your favorites for a unique twist. The goal is to enjoy every bite! This blog post shared a tasty chicken and rice dish made with brown rice, chicken, and broccoli. I detailed each step, from sautéing onions and garlic to cooking the chicken and combining it with rice. I also covered tips for variations, storage, and reheating. As you prepare this dish, remember that food can be fun and flexible. Try new ingredients and make it your own. Enjoy the cooking process and savor each bite!

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken One Pot

Indulge in a comforting Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken One Pot dish that's perfect for a family dinner! This simple recipe combines tender chicken, wholesome brown rice, and vibrant broccoli, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. Ready in just 50 minutes, it's a delicious meal that everyone will love. Ready to dive into cheesy goodness? Click through to explore this tasty recipe and create a new favorite in your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups uncooked brown rice

4 cups chicken broth

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.

    Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.

      Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked brown rice, ensuring it’s combined well with the chicken and onions. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

        Cook the Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.

          Add Broccoli: Once the rice is cooked, add the broccoli florets to the pot, cover again, and allow the steam to cook the broccoli for about 5 minutes until it’s bright green and tender.

            Cheesy Finish: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve: Fluff the mixture with a fork to combine everything nicely and serve hot.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4