Description
This Cheesy Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Skillet is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, creamy rice, fresh broccoli, and melted sharp cheddar cheese. Cooked entirely on the stovetop and finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy topping, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup white long grain rice
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1/4 cup chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add 1 pound of cubed chicken breasts, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside.
- Cook Rice and Liquid Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup white long grain rice, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 ½ cups chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender, approximately 30 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Cheese: Once the rice is tender, add 2 cups broccoli florets and 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir to combine and continue to simmer the mixture until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with additional salt, black pepper, or extra chicken broth to maintain a moist, slightly wet consistency.
- Prepare Broiler and Topping: Preheat the broiler. In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons melted butter.
- Broil with Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Then evenly distribute the breadcrumb mixture on top. Place the skillet under the broiler and cook for about 2 minutes, until the topping is golden and crispy. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transfer from stovetop to broiler.
- Stir occasionally during rice cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- If the mixture becomes too dry during cooking, add extra chicken broth to maintain the desired creamy texture.
- This dish can be customized with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for variation.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture will be less creamy.
