Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet
A quick and comforting one-pan meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, tender broccoli, and a mild cheese sauce. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, long grain white rice, broccoli florets for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth roux and smells slightly nutty.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 2 cups chicken broth, stirring constantly. Cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Step 4: Stir 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Add 1 cup long grain white rice and 2 cups broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir to combine, then return the cooked chicken to the pan. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender, broccoli is bright green and tender, and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Stovetop Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet?
American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
