Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a blanket of rich, melted cheese.

This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, as it requires minimal prep and cleanup while delivering a meal that’s hearty, nutritious, and delicious.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this one-pot dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
Nutritious and Balanced: Packed with protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and satisfying carbohydrates from the rice.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

Family-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy flavor is a hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your preferences with different cheeses, vegetables, or seasonings.

Ingredients

For this delicious dish, you’ll need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup heavy cream or milk

Optional garnish: chopped parsley or additional cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Prepare the Base
In the same pot, add the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot to enhance the flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the rice is nearly tender.

Add the Broccoli
Stir in the broccoli florets, replacing the lid on the pot. Allow the rice and broccoli to cook together for another 5 minutes, until the broccoli is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Incorporate the Creaminess
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk), shredded cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted, creating a creamy and cohesive dish. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese before serving.

Variations

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Vegetable Boost: Add extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.

Cheese Choices: Experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack cheese to vary the flavor profile.

How to Serve

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a meal on its own, thanks to its balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. However, you can elevate the dining experience by pairing it with:

A crisp side salad with vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the dish.

Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Roasted or steamed vegetables for an extra dose of greens.

This dish is also fantastic for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore its creamy consistency.