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If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe is exactly what you need. This wonderful combination balances tender shredded chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and fluffy rice all simmered gently in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Each bite bursts with savory goodness and a perfect blend of textures that will have you coming back for seconds—and thirds! Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a crucial role—from the creamy richness of butter and cream to the bright freshness of broccoli, and the savory depth lent by chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce. Together, they create a dish that’s as flavorful as it is comforting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the creamy base.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Provides aromatic sweetness and depth.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings fragrant warmth and a punch of savoriness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice: Forms the hearty, fluffy foundation of the dish.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Infuses the rice with rich, savory flavor as it cooks.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a subtle tang and complexity.
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream: Creates luxuriously creamy texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): Provides protein and meaty heartiness; rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
- 2 cups broccoli (small florets): Adds crunch, color, and a fresh veggie boost.
- 1.5-2 cups grated cheddar cheese: The star ingredient that melts into gooey, cheesy perfection.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and have them ready to go. Grate the cheddar cheese now so it melts evenly later; decide if you want an extra cheesy topping to finish the dish or just creaminess inside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they’re softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning for about a minute until fragrant—this step builds the flavorful base of the dish.
Step 3: Toast the Rice
Add the uncooked rice to the pot, stirring constantly to coat each grain in the buttery, garlicky mixture. Toasting the rice for about a minute enhances its nuttiness and helps it achieve the perfect texture later on.
Step 4: Add Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce, bringing the mixture up to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, give everything a stir, cover the pot, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rice simmer for 15 minutes until it’s almost tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Stir in Cream, Chicken, and Broccoli
Now it’s time to add the cream, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets to the pot. Stir gently to combine, then cover again and cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the broccoli to soften just enough while the rice finishes cooking and the cream thickens into a luscious sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in 1.5 cups of the grated cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste the dish and season generously with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together. If you want a bubbly, melted cheese topping, sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar on top and let it warm until beautifully gooey before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Add a pop of color and fresh flavor with chopped fresh parsley or chives sprinkled on top. A light dusting of smoked paprika can lend a subtle warmth and vibrant hue that makes every serving as pretty as it is tasty.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe is quite the complete meal, but if you want to round it out, consider simple green salads or crusty garlic bread. Both complement the creamy richness without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this comforting dish inside hollowed-out bell peppers or ramekins, then broil briefly for a bubbly golden crust. It’s a charming way to impress guests or elevate your weeknight dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making for satisfying next-day meals that feel like leftovers done right.
Freezing
If you want to save some for even longer, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the dish seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive its creamy consistency and ensure every bite stays delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers the classic sharp, melty goodness, cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a mild gouda can also work beautifully to create a different flavor profile without sacrificing creaminess.
Is it okay to use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to avoid excess moisture that can make the dish watery. Fresh broccoli tends to hold a better texture but frozen works great for quick meals.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for hearty mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This will still create a comforting, cheesy rice dish everyone will enjoy.
What type of rice works best here?
Long grain white rice is recommended for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb flavors well. Avoid instant or pre-cooked rice, as it won’t develop the perfect creamy consistency during the cooking process.
Can this dish be prepared in advance and then baked?
Yes, you can prepare all ingredients ahead of time, store the combined mixture in a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake just before serving. Baking will create a crispy, golden top and deepen the flavors even more.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to share with loved ones. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own—it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes, just like it is mine!
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Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a comforting one-pot meal combining tender shredded chicken, fresh broccoli florets, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice. The dish is cooked stovetop in a Dutch oven or pot, making it an easy weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and flavorful with a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy elements.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Rice & Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie preferred), shredded or chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets, cut into small pieces
- 1.5 to 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Grate the cheddar cheese (1.5 cups for mixing, reserve up to 2 cups if you want a melted cheese topping). Chop onion, mince garlic, shred or chop the cooked chicken, and cut broccoli into small florets.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil, butter, and onion in a pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic, Seasoning & Rice: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and uncooked rice. Cook while stirring frequently for about one minute to toast the rice slightly and bring out flavor.
- Add Broth and Worcestershire: Pour in the chicken broth and Worcestershire sauce and bring mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, stir, cover the pot, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 15 minutes to allow rice to cook through.
- Add Cream, Chicken & Broccoli: Stir in heavy cream, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets. Cover the pot again and cook for another 5 minutes or until broccoli is tender and rice is fully cooked but not mushy. The liquid will remain slightly saucy and will thicken as it cools.
- Mix in Cheese & Season: Stir in 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese until melted and combined. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Optional Melted Cheese Topping: For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle the reserved half cup of cheddar on top and allow it to melt for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and best flavor, but leftover cooked chicken or store-bought cooked chicken works well.
- Long grain white rice is recommended for the best texture; avoid quick-cooking or instant rice.
- If the rice is undercooked but the liquid is gone, add a splash more broth or water and cook a few minutes longer.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve warm for the best creamy consistency.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste carefully since cheese and broth already contain salt.
