If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that brings together comfort, nutrition, and unbeatable simplicity, Chicken, Rice and Broccoli might just become your new go-to. This all-in-one skillet meal delivers everything you need: tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy finish. In just 30 minutes start-to-finish, you’ll have a wholesome dish that tastes like it took much longer to prepare. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just need a fuss-free dinner that feels like a treat, this recipe checks all the boxes—in flavor, texture, and healthfulness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients is all it takes to build delicious layers of flavor in this Chicken, Rice and Broccoli dish. Each component plays a special part—bringing color, creaminess, a burst of protein, or that irresistible cheesy goodness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts cut into bite-sized pieces keep the protein lean and juicy.
- Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps everything cook up golden and flavorful.
- Garlic powder: Instantly brings depth and savory notes without the need to chop cloves.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and making each ingredient pop.
- Black pepper: Delivers gentle warmth and brings out the best in the chicken.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, broccoli adds gorgeous color and satisfying crunch.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Perfect for soaking up all those creamy, savory flavors—use leftovers to save time!
- Shredded cheddar cheese (optional): Melts into the dish for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Chicken broth: Steam-cooks the broccoli and builds a savory base.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Lends creaminess without feeling heavy—pick whichever you prefer for tang or protein.
- Milk: Helps the sauce come together into a luscious blend.
- Onion powder: Sneaks in sweet and aromatic undertones, no chopping required.
- Optional garnishes (parsley or red pepper flakes): A last-minute sprinkle of freshness or heat brightens up every plate.
How to Make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, letting the chicken transform into perfectly golden, cooked-through morsels. This first step ensures the chicken stays juicy and well seasoned.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
After the chicken is cooked and set aside, keep all those delicious flavors in the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and add the broccoli florets. Cover the skillet and let the broccoli steam for just 3 to 4 minutes, so it stays beautifully green and slightly crisp for that signature bite in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Now comes the harmony! Stir the cooked rice, reserved chicken, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, and onion powder into the skillet with the broccoli. Mix until everything is evenly coated and turn the heat to low. Let it all come together as the rice soaks up the saucy goodness and flavors meld.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt
If you love a bit of gooey richness, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover for a couple of minutes—just enough to let the cheese melt into silky strings. This step takes Chicken, Rice and Broccoli from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and finish with your choice of chopped parsley or a hint of red pepper flakes. The green pops and the flakes add a gentle kick, making each plate as inviting as it is flavorful. Now, the dish is ready to be served and enjoyed warm.
How to Serve Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley immediately brightens up Chicken, Rice and Broccoli, both visually and in taste. If you want to add a little excitement, dust some red pepper flakes for gentle heat or toss on some extra shredded cheddar for cheesiness that melts right onto each serving.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or offering a side of crusty bread takes it to the next level. For even more veggies, try serving with roasted carrots or sautéed snap peas on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn weeknight dinner into a celebration by serving Chicken, Rice and Broccoli in individual ramekins, or scoop it into bell pepper halves and bake for a few minutes until bubbly. Another fun twist is layering it in a casserole dish topped with extra cheese for a family-style gratin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chicken, Rice and Broccoli in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch especially delicious. Make sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled mixture into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor—the rice and sauce hold up remarkably well.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat Chicken, Rice and Broccoli gently in the microwave, covered loosely, until warmed through. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces and skip the browning step—add it in when mixing everything together with the rice and broccoli.
Is it possible to make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by swapping in your favorite plant-based yogurt for sour cream, and either omitting the cheese or using a dairy-free shredded cheese.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is ideal for meal prepping. Cook it fully, let it cool, and store portions in the fridge or freezer. When lunchtime or dinner rolls around, just reheat and enjoy.
What type Main Course
Both white and brown rice are fantastic here. If you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber, go with brown rice. White rice offers a softer, classic texture. Leftover rice from previous meals works like a charm too!
Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is a perfect canvas for extra veggies. Toss in sliced bell peppers, diced carrots, peas, or even baby spinach toward the end for extra nutrition and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat, and that’s why Chicken, Rice and Broccoli earns a permanent spot in my kitchen lineup. Give it a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and rice cooked in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Rest of the Dish:
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Optional: chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add chicken, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Rest of the Dish: Steam broccoli with chicken broth, then add cooked rice, chicken, sour cream, milk, and onion powder. Heat through.
- Finish and Serve: Top with cheese, melt, and garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is a great way to use leftover rice.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the cheese and use a dairy-free alternative for the sour cream.
- For extra flavor, consider adding Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
