Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice

Name: Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

This Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese for a comforting dinner option. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-24T00:50:29.965Z

This dish is a family favorite, combining the wholesome goodness of broccoli and the richness of cheese with tender chicken. It's not only delicious but also quick to prepare!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together
Packed with protein and nutrients from chicken and broccoli
One-pan meal means easy cleanup and less hassle

      

A Quick and Nutritious Dinner

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to prepare a healthy meal can feel like a challenge. That's where this Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice comes in. Not only is it quick to prepare, but it also packs a nutritional punch. With protein-rich chicken and fiber-filled broccoli, this dish is designed to keep you satisfied and energized throughout your busy day.

The combination of chicken and broccoli provides essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, as well as lean protein. This makes the dish not only delicious but also a smart choice for families looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Perfect for Meal Prep

If you’re someone who likes to plan meals in advance, this Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice is an excellent addition to your weekly meal prep routine. The one-pan nature of the recipe means that you can make a large batch, portion it out, and store it in the refrigerator for easy reheating throughout the week. This not only saves you time but also helps prevent food waste.

When stored properly in airtight containers, this dish can last up to four days in the fridge. Simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave for a quick and satisfying meal, making your busy nights a little less stressful.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While it features chicken and broccoli, you can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, you can swap out broccoli for other vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to suit your taste.

This adaptability makes it a fantastic base recipe that you can tweak to keep things exciting. Experimenting with different cheeses, like mozzarella or pepper jack, can also add a new flavor dimension to your dish, ensuring that it never gets boring.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup uncooked rice
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Gather all ingredients before starting to make the cooking process smoother.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Broccoli and Rice

Stir in the broccoli florets and uncooked rice. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and broccoli is tender.

Finish with Cheese

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Serve warm and enjoy!

Serve this dish with a sprinkle of additional cheese or herbs for extra flavor!

Cooking Tips for Success

To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will help you avoid any undercooked meat while keeping it juicy and tender.

When adding the rice and broccoli, make sure that the broth covers them completely to ensure even cooking. If you find the mixture getting too thick, you can always add a little more chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken Skillet Broccoli Rice can be served on its own as a wholesome meal, but it also pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread for added texture. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the cheese.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce before serving. This can elevate the dish and provide an exciting flavor contrast.

Storage and Reheating

After enjoying your delicious meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion back to a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent it from drying out.

If you're in a hurry, the microwave is a quick option as well. Just cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or wrap to retain moisture and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

→ What can I substitute for chicken?

You can use turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white rice and reduce the amount of cheese.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and reheat it. Just be mindful that the rice may absorb more liquid when stored.