One-Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli – No Mess, No Stress

When life gets hectic and you need a quick, comforting meal with minimal cleanup, one pot chicken and rice broccoli is your best friend. This recipe checks every box—it’s wholesome, flavorful, budget-friendly, and saves you from doing a mountain of dishes. Whether you're feeding a family or just meal-prepping for the week, this is the kind of dinner you’ll want on repeat.

One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli

You'll Discover

Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli Recipe

Let’s be real—between work, errands, and the never-ending to-do list, nobody has time to juggle five pans at once. That’s where this dish shines. It’s a complete meal in just one pot! You’ve got juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli all coming together in a creamy, savory base.

Plus, this recipe is:

1) Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters.

2) Ready in under 40 minutes.

3) Customizable with pantry staples and fridge leftovers.

4) Loaded with protein, fiber, and comfort.

5) And did we mention you’ll only have one pot to wash?

Ingredients Of One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli Recipe 

To make this one pot chicken and rice broccoli recipe, you only need a few basic ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

3 cups chicken broth (low-sodium is best)

1 small onion (diced)

3 garlic cloves (minced)

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but delicious)

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning (optional for flavor boost)

Optional for a creamy twist:

1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

Step-by-Step Instructions For The Perfect One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli

Here’s how to get this one-pot wonder from stove to table:

Step 1: Sauté The Chicken And Aromatics

Sauting The Chicken And Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Toss in the chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned on all sides. No need to cook it all the way through just yet!

Step 2: Add Rice And Broth

Add Rice And Broth

Pour in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the flavors. Add the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Stir In The Broccoli

Stir In The Broccoli

Add the broccoli on top of the rice mixture, cover again, and cook for another 7–10 minutes. The broccoli should be tender and the rice fully cooked. If you’re using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw—just toss it in frozen.

Step 4: Make It Creamy And Cheesy

Make It Creamy And Cheesy

(If you like creamy comfort food!) Stir in the heavy cream and cheese, and let it melt into the mixture. The result? A rich, cheesy bite in every spoonful.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli With A Sprinkle Of Extra Cheese Or Herbs 

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve hot with a sprinkle of extra cheese or herbs if you’re feeling fancy. That’s it—dinner is done!

Tips To Make Your One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli Even Better

1) Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut and even faster prep.

2) Swap the rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist (just adjust the cook time and liquid).

3) Add in extras like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach.

4) Make it dairy-free by skipping the cheese and using coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.

Health Benefits Of One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli

This recipe isn’t just comforting—it’s nutritionally balanced too. You’re getting:

1) Lean protein from chicken

2) Complex carbs from rice

3) Vitamins and fiber from broccoli

4) And less oil and fat because everything is cooked together

5) It’s a smart way to sneak in veggies and avoid ultra-processed frozen meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serves: 4

Calories Per Serving: 390

% Daily Value	Nutrient	Amount
19%	Total Fat	14g
23%	Saturated Fat	4.5g
28%	Cholesterol	84mg
24%	Sodium	550mg
16%	Total Carbohydrate	42g
10%	Dietary Fiber	2.5g
3%	Sugars	2.2g
38%	Protein	30g
15%	Vitamin A	140µg
60%	Vitamin C	55mg
12%	Iron	2.1mg
9%	Potassium	395mg
20%	Calcium	200mg

Final Thoughts

In a world full of complicated recipes and long grocery lists, this one pot chicken and rice broccoli dinner is a breath of fresh air. It’s simple, comforting, and endlessly customizable. Plus, it’s a one-and-done kind of meal—no need to stress about side dishes.

So next time you’re staring into your fridge wondering what to make, let this be your answer. Grab that chicken, rice, and broccoli, and get cooking—you’ve got this!

Looking for more easy one-pot dinners?

Stay tuned for more recipes like this that make your weeknights smoother and tastier. Don’t forget to bookmark this post and share it with a friend who could use a delicious dinner hack!

FAQs About One Pot Chicken And Rice Broccoli

Q1. Can I use brown rice in one pot chicken and rice broccoli?

A: Yes, but it takes longer to cook. You may need to increase the liquid and simmering time accordingly.

Q2. Can I make one pot chicken and rice broccoli with frozen broccoli?

A: Absolutely! No need to thaw—just add it straight to the pot and let it steam with the rice.

Q3. Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

A: Yes! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicier during cooking.

Q4. How do I store leftovers of one pot chicken and rice broccoli?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

Q5. Can I freeze this dish?

A: Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q6. How do I make this dish creamier?

A: Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, or shredded cheese at the end for a rich, creamy finish.

Q7. Is one pot chicken and rice broccoli healthy?

A: Yes! It’s balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs. You can reduce the cheese or cream for a lighter version.

Q8. Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Totally. Just skip the cheese and cream or use dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or vegan cheese.

Q9. What spices go well with this recipe?

A: Try paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or even a dash of cayenne for heat.

Q10. Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

A: Yes, just use a larger pot and adjust cooking time slightly. It’s a great option for batch cooking!