Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet

Enjoy a comforting weeknight meal with this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Delight. This one-pan dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich cream sauce, making it both satisfying and convenient. Packed with lean protein and essential vitamins, it's a nutritious option for busy families. With easy preparation and minimal cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Discover how simple and delicious home cooking can be!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, finely diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Prep Ingredients: Begin by washing the broccoli thoroughly and cutting it into bite-sized florets. Cube the chicken breasts into small, even pieces and set them aside for later.

Cook Chicken: In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest.

Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and tender. Add the minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Rice: Stir the uncooked rice into the skillet, ensuring it is well combined with the onions and garlic. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking.

Combine Ingredients: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Gently fold the broccoli florets and the cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Simmer: Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer for 15-20 minutes. The rice should become tender and absorb most of the liquid during this time.

Make it Creamy: After the rice is tender, pour in the heavy cream and add half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed and the mixture is creamy.

Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet again and cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

Garnish & Serve: Once finished, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a touch of color and freshness.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | Serves 4