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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet is an easy one-pan chicken dinner made with tender chicken, broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese. This creamy chicken broccoli rice recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, family-friendly meal with minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together in one skillet for a comforting dinner everyone will love.

Close-up of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with broccoli, chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese on a plate

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Table of Contents

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan dinner means easy cleanup
  • Perfect for busy weeknight dinners
  • Family-friendly comfort food recipe
  • Loaded with chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese
  • Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers
  • Creamy, cheesy, and hearty

Key Ingredients

NOTE: This section highlights ingredients used in the recipe. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

Chicken

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly, making this one-pan chicken and rice dinner hearty and filling.

Rice

Long-grain white rice absorbs all the creamy, savory flavors while cooking directly in the skillet.

Broccoli

Fresh broccoli adds texture, color, and a boost of vegetables to this creamy chicken broccoli rice skillet.

Cheddar cheese

Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the top for the ultimate cheesy finish.

Cream of chicken soup

This pantry staple helps create a rich, creamy sauce for the broccoli cheddar chicken and rice.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet arranged on a white tile countertop including chicken, broccoli, rice, broth, cheese, onion, garlic, and cream of chicken soup

Ingredients & Substitutions

NOTE: This section suggests substitutions. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

  • vegetable oil – substitute with olive oil or avocado oil
  • boneless skinless chicken breasts – substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken
  • salt and pepper – no substitution recommended
  • small onion – substitute with yellow onion or sweet onion
  • garlic – substitute with ½ teaspoon garlic powder if needed
  • long-grain white rice – no substitution recommended for best texture
  • condensed cream of chicken soup – substitute with condensed cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. You can also make and use my homemade condensed cream soup substitute recipe
  • low-sodium chicken broth – substitute with water if needed
  • broccoli florets – substitute with frozen broccoli florets
  • Cheddar cheese – substitute with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella cheese

Variations

  • Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onion for extra vegetables.
  • Stir in cooked bacon for extra flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy nights.
  • Swap cheddar for Pepper Jack for a spicy twist.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Try topping the skillet with crushed buttery crackers for a casserole-style finish.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet served on a white plate with broccoli, chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese

Tips for Best Results

  • Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
  • Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks to help trap steam.
  • Stir the broccoli in gently so the rice stays fluffy.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melting texture.
  • Avoid overcooking the broccoli if you prefer it tender-crisp.
  • If the rice is still firm, add a splash of broth and continue cooking for a few more minutes.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice instead of long-grain rice?

Instant rice cooks much faster and may become mushy in this recipe. Long-grain white rice works best.

Why is my rice still crunchy?

The skillet may need additional liquid or cooking time. Cover the skillet tightly and continue cooking until the rice softens.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works well and can be added directly to the skillet.

Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?

Yes. You can substitute cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or make a homemade cream soup substitute.

What cheese works best in cheesy chicken and rice recipes?

Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor, but Colby Jack and Monterey Jack also melt well.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use a gluten-free condensed soup and double-check all labels.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! This chicken broccoli rice skillet reheats well for meal-prep lunches and dinners.

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How to Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth.

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice recipe also freezes well for easy dinners later.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

NOTE: This section includes a step-by-step guide. Find the full printable recipe in the recipe card below.

This easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice skillet comes together quickly with simple ingredients and one pan. The rice cooks directly in the skillet with the chicken and creamy sauce, making this a flavorful dinner with very little cleanup.

Quick steps:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the chicken with salt and pepper until cooked through.
  3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in the rice, cream of chicken soup, and broth.
  5. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.
  6. Add broccoli and continue cooking until the rice is tender.
  7. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and serve warm.

Serve with your favorite sides, such as Garlic Bread, Homemade Dinner Rolls, or a crisp side salad like Creamy Cucumber Salad, for a complete family dinner. You can also finish the meal with easy desserts like No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars, or Banana Bread Brownies.

Looking for more easy comfort food dinners? Be sure to browse my casserole recipes, skillet dinners, and quick chicken dinner recipes for more easy family meal ideas.

in a large skillet
Bite-sized chicken pieces cooking in a large skillet with oil, salt, and pepper for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Cooked chicken pieces in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with rice, onion, garlic, and cream of chicken soup nearby
Diced onion and garlic added to cooked chicken in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Chicken and onion mixture cooking in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with rice, broth, and cream soup nearby
Rice, broth, and cream of chicken soup added to chicken in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Creamy chicken and rice mixture simmering in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Fresh broccoli added to creamy chicken and rice mixture in a skillet for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Finished Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with chicken, broccoli, rice, and melted cheddar cheese in a large skillet
Shredded cheddar cheese melted over Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet in a large skillet with broccoli, chicken, and rice
Spoonful of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with melted cheddar cheese, broccoli, chicken, and creamy rice
Plate of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet served with broccoli, chicken, rice, and melted cheddar cheese

If You Enjoyed Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

If this recipe made it into your dinner rotation, I’d love to hear about it! It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes – hearty, cheesy, and made in just one pan with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Those are my favorite kinds of weeknight dinners!

If you make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet, please leave a rating and a comment below. It really does help other readers, and I always love hearing how recipes turn out in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share it with a friend who’s always on the lookout for easy family dinners – they’ll thank you for it!

📌 Save This Recipe

Save this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet recipe for those hectic weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner the whole family will actually eat! This cheesy chicken and rice skillet is perfect for meal prep, cozy comfort food cravings, and busy back-to-school nights.

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Close-up of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet with broccoli, chicken, creamy rice, and melted cheddar cheese on a fork
Square image of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet served on a plate with broccoli, chicken, rice, and melted cheddar cheese
5 from 2 votes
Servings: 6 servings

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

By Jamie Sherman
Make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet for a quick, creamy family dinner in just one pan.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 40 minutes
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Equipment

  • large skillet with a lid

Ingredients 

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, (10.5 oz.)
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or water
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions 

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
    1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, Salt and pepper
  • Add the onion and garlic. Cook 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
    1 small onion, 2-3 cloves garlic
  • Stir in the rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
    1 cup long-grain white rice, 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 12 minutes.
  • Stir in the broccoli. Cover and cook an additional 7-8 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp, the rice is tender, and the liquid is absorbed.
    2 cups broccoli florets
  • Sprinkle the cheese over the top and serve immediately.
    1 cup Cheddar cheese

Notes

🥡 STORAGE

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

♨️ REHEATING

• Reheat individual servings in the microwave until heated through.
• Reheat larger portions in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.

❄️ FREEZING

• Freeze cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

• Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
• Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks.
• Add extra broth if the rice needs more cooking time.

🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS

• Use rotisserie chicken to shorten the cooking time.
• Bake the skillet mixture in a covered casserole dish at 350°F until the rice is tender.

♻️ LEFTOVERS

• Use leftovers for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
• Stuff leftovers into tortillas for easy cheesy chicken wraps.

📝 NOTES

• Frozen broccoli (thawed) can be used instead of fresh broccoli.
• Sharp cheddar cheese gives the best flavor.
• Additional broth may be needed depending on the rice brand used.

Nutrition

Calories: 393kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Trans Fat: 0.04g, Cholesterol: 71mg, Sodium: 604mg, Potassium: 549mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 493IU, Vitamin C: 30mg, Calcium: 176mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are a few more reader-favorite recipes from Love Bakes Good Cakes you may want to try next.

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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5 Comments

  1. LL says:

    I thought this was delicious but could have had just a bit more flavor?

    Reply
  2. Rae Eldredge says:

    I made this tonight with a couple changes. I used turkey instead of chicken because I didn't have any. I added the suggested cream soup, added Doritos on top then used melted nacho cheese. My family loved it!!!

    Reply
  3. Lane & Holly @ With Two Spoons says:

    This looks delicious! Glad you had a great vacation-well deserved, I'm sure!

    Reply
  4. Kristen Chidsey says:

    Sounds like you had a fabulous time in LA. And this dinner–so easy and tasty!

    Reply
  5. Carlee says:

    What a fun vacation! It is nice to get a little home cooking while you are away too. It is a fun treat to eat out a bit when you normally eat at home, but more than a few days and I am ready to make something again! This would be a hit in our house as well and it is all stuff I always have on hand!

    Reply