Description
This One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe is a hearty and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice cooked together in a single pot. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it features a flavorful blend of herbs and cheddar cheese, delivering a satisfying and wholesome dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 2 cups milk
Produce
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut into bite-size pieces
Pantry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Heat the fats and cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons salted butter in a large heavy bottom pot or 6-quart dutch oven over medium heat.
- Brown the chicken: Add cubed chicken and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until the exterior is browned.
- Sauté onions: Add diced white onion and cook with the chicken until the onions are softened, about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Toast rice and add flour: Add long grain white rice and minced garlic, cooking for 90 seconds while stirring constantly until the rice lightly toasts. Stir in all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until flour is absorbed.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly pour in chicken broth, milk, broccoli florets, dried thyme, and dried oregano.
- Simmer the rice: Bring mixture to a boil over high heat then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid and cook until rice is almost fully cooked, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, then top with the remaining cheese. Cover and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce salt content if desired.
- Ensure the rice is well stirred occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and burning.
- You can swap broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or peas based on preference.
- To add extra flavor, a splash of white wine can be added when toasting the rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
