Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet 🧀🍗🥦🍚

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Optional

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
• ½ cup sliced mushrooms

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the outside. The chicken does not need to be completely cooked yet.

Transfer it to a plate.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet.

Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

4. Add the Rice

Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet and toast for about 1 minute.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Cook the Rice

Return the chicken to the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

6. Add the Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets during the last 5–7 minutes of cooking.

Cover again and cook until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

7. Make It Cheesy

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the skillet.

Cover and let stand for 2–3 minutes, until the cheese melts completely.

8. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

• Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Don’t rinse the rice for this recipe if you want the creamy texture.
• Add the broccoli toward the end so it doesn’t become mushy.
• Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
• For extra flavor, add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
• Let the skillet rest for a few minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Follow the package cooking instructions and adjust the broth accordingly.

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Add frozen broccoli during the final 5–7 minutes and cook until heated through and tender.

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Add the cooked chicken during the final few minutes just to warm it through.

Q: What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, while mozzarella adds extra meltiness. Monterey Jack or Colby Jack are also excellent options.

Q: Can I make this skillet spicy?
Yes. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Q: How should I reheat it?
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the rice has become dry.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fat: 27g
• Fiber: 3g

Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

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