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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice is a one-pan comfort meal made with chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheddar cheese.Everything cooks together in a skillet for an easy dinner.Perfect for quick family meals and busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup diced yellow or white onion
  • 1 large carrot peeled and diced
  • 1 cup uncooked white rice not instant rice
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth or stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup chopped fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a deep 12-inch skillet with a lid over medium heat. Lightly season the chicken with salt.
  • Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
  • Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir in the diced onion, carrot, and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
  • Add the rice and minced garlic. Stir well so the rice is coated and cook for about 1 minute.
  • Slowly pour in the chicken broth while stirring and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  • Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the broccoli, cover again, and cook another 3–5 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.
  • Taste and adjust the salt if needed. Remove from heat and let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice rest with the lid on for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For added flavor, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar or freshly ground black pepper on top before serving.