Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2.4 lb boneless chicken breast; 2.4 cups long-grain white rice; 1.6 lb broccoli florets; 4.4 cups chicken broth; 1.6 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 3/4 whole yellow onion; 7/8 tsp garlic powder; 7/8 tsp onion powder; 2.6 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 3/4 tsp kosher salt

One-pot cheddar chicken and rice for ten

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 35 min
Serves 8
Difficulty: easy

Chicken breast cubes cook with rice and broccoli in one pot, then finish with sharp cheddar until creamy and cohesive. Simple seasoning, big portions, minimal dishes.

Why crews like it: Every hall has a version of this dish because it works. One pot, familiar flavors, and even rookies can follow the steps without burning the house down.

460Cal

38gProtein

48gCarbs

14gFat

Ingredients

2.4 lb boneless chicken breast
2.4 cups long-grain white rice
1.6 lb broccoli florets
4.4 cups chicken broth
1.6 cups sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 whole yellow onion
7/8 tsp garlic powder
7/8 tsp onion powder
2.6 tbsp unsalted butter
1 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

Sear the chicken: Season cubed chicken with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear in butter 4–5 minutes until lightly golden—not fully cooked through.
Add rice and broth: Stir in rice and onion, toast 1 minute, then pour in broth. Bring to boil, cover, reduce to low simmer.
Simmer covered: Cook covered 18 minutes without lifting lid until rice absorbs liquid and chicken reaches 165°F internal. Target oven/smoker temperature: 165°F.
Steam the broccoli: Nestle broccoli on top, cover, and cook 8 more minutes until broccoli tender and rice fluffy.
Finish with cheese: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and remaining butter until melted and creamy. Rest 5 minutes before serving.

Tonight's spread

One-pot scoops with dinner rolls and simple mixed greens.
Extra shredded cheese at the line for crew who want it cheesier.

Hall tips

Rotisserie chicken shredded in at the end skips the sear step on busy nights.
A teaspoon of mustard powder in the cheese adds depth without tasting like mustard.
Hot sauce on the table beats cooking spice into the whole pot.

Meal prep

Cut chicken uniform so it cooks with the rice. Add broccoli in the last 8 minutes so it stays green. Stir cheese off heat for smoothest melt.

Leftovers

Reheat with splash of broth in a covered pan on low.
Press cold leftovers into patties and pan-fry for crispy rice cakes.

Large pot with tight lid
Instant-read thermometer
Wooden spoon
Chef knife
Measuring cups