Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup uncooked rice; 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Nothing quite hits the spot like a cozy, cheesy dinner that comes together in one pan. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe is exactly that—comfort food meets convenience with a wholesome, satisfying twist you’ll want to make again and again.

A close-up view of a creamy casserole dish filled with a mix of white rice, chunks of light beige chicken, and bright green broccoli florets, all covered with a thick, melted layer of pale yellow and white cheese that has slightly browned edges. The cheese layer shows a rich, smooth texture with bits of fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. A shiny metal spoon is scooping out a portion from the middle, revealing the creamy mixture underneath. The casserole is contained in a metal pan, set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this skillet dish countless times, especially on busy weeknights when I want something hearty but easy. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and it’s so forgiving—you can tweak it to match whatever veggies or cheese you have on hand.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor melding.
Blend of Textures: Tender chicken, creamy rice, crisp-tender broccoli, and melty cheddar make every bite delightful.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for those "I need dinner now" moments.
Room to Customize: Whether you swap cheeses or add extra veggies, this recipe adapts to your taste and pantry.

A spoon lifts a creamy dish from a black pan, showing layers of white rice mixed with bright green broccoli florets and tender white chicken pieces. The dish is covered with melted yellow and white cheese that stretches in thin strings from the pan to the spoon. The broccoli is fresh and crunchy-looking, sitting evenly among the soft rice and chicken. The background is a white marbled texture, and the pan has shiny silver handles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe lies in how simple ingredients combine to create such a rich, comforting dish. Each one plays a special role, so here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart and understand why they’re essential.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked white rice grains, two plump raw chicken breasts cut into small cubes on a simple white ceramic plate, one small whole brown onion, four fresh garlic cloves peeled, vibrant green broccoli florets on a white ceramic dish, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy pale yellow cheddar cheese shreds, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth light yellow cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl with clear light golden chicken broth, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a few sprigs of bright green fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl containing white sea salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with whole black peppercorns placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and onion, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly without sticking.
Small Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base flavor that elevates the whole dish without overpowering.
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly and provides the hearty substance you want in a casserole.
Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances all other flavors—don’t skip or skimp!
Garlic: Brings a wonderful aromatic lift, making the skillet taste homemade and cozy.
Rice (uncooked): Absorbs flavor from broth and chicken soup, creating creamy texture without needing extra cream.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness, helps bind the ingredients, and infuses that classic casserole flavor.
Chicken Broth (low sodium): Keeps things moist and flavorful, with the option to control saltiness.
Broccoli Florets: Offers bright color, crunch, and a healthy dose of green goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully over the top for that irresistible gooey finish.
Fresh Parsley: A fresh, herbal note to finish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often swap in whatever cheese I have—Monterey Jack is a favorite for a milder, creamier melt. Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.

Variation: I once tried it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist—it worked nicely, though the texture was different. Just reduce the broth a bit since cauliflower releases moisture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Onion Until Golden

Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cubed chicken breasts, stirring occasionally. You’re aiming for a nice light browning and the chicken should no longer be pink—about 5 minutes. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper to enhance those base flavors. Then add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This quick step builds the foundation of your dish.

Step 2: Add Rice, Cream of Chicken Soup, and Broth

Pour in ¾ cup uncooked rice, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups low sodium chicken broth. Stir everything up, making sure the rice is cozy in the liquid. You’ll want to keep an eye on the rice as it cooks—if it looks like it’s drying out before fully tender, add a little more broth. This keeps the grains perfectly cooked without burning.

Step 3: Simmer Covered Until Rice is Tender

Bring your skillet to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then to prevent sticking. Patience here pays off because you want that rice cooked through with a creamy texture that soaks up all those savory flavors. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Stir in Broccoli and Half the Cheese

Toss in 2 cups fresh broccoli florets along with half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for another 2 minutes so the broccoli softens just enough without losing its vibrant green color. The cheese melts into the rice, creating that rich, velvety texture that makes this skillet so crave-worthy.

Step 5: Broil with Remaining Cheese and Garnish

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and slide the skillet under a hot broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely—the cheese should melt and start to brown in spots, giving you that irresistible bubbly crust. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for brightness, and you’re ready to dig in!

Top Tip

From my many tries making this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that really boost the outcome—and save you some headaches in the kitchen.

Consistent Chicken Cubes: Cut your chicken into evenly sized small pieces so they cook through at the same rate without drying out.
Watch Your Broth: The broth level can vary depending on your rice, so start with 2 cups but be ready to add more to avoid dry rice.
Broccoli Timing: Adding the broccoli near the end keeps it vibrant and crisp-tender; too early and it becomes mushy.
Broil Carefully: The broiler stage is quick—stay nearby so the cheese doesn’t burn but just gets that beautiful golden brown topping.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a dash of smoked paprika for an extra kick that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough on its own, but if you want to round out the meal I suggest a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some simple roasted carrots. Garlic bread on the side works wonders too if you’re in the mood for some extra comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this skillet recipe in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and parsley. It makes for a charming presentation and portion control is effortless. You could even add a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat them within 3 days for the best texture and flavor. The broccoli stays nicely crisp-tender, and the cheese remains indulgently creamy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a couple of times with good results—just be sure to cool completely before sealing in a freezer-safe container. When thawed, the texture is slightly softer but still delicious and perfect for a quick meal emergency.

Reheating

To reheat, I usually warm leftovers gently in the microwave or oven covered with foil to keep the moisture in. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating helps revive the rice’s creaminess. A quick zap under the broiler afterward brings back that cheesy crust magic.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can substitute brown rice, but it will take longer to cook—typically around 40-45 minutes. You’ll want to increase the chicken broth accordingly and possibly cook covered on low heat to prevent drying. Also, consider pre-cooking the brown rice separately for best results.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, swap the cheddar cheese for a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Check the cream of chicken soup label or use a dairy-free homemade sauce substitute. Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk can work in place of heavy dairy in the sauce mix.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works fine—add it directly to the skillet during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. You may want to reduce any added liquid slightly, since frozen broccoli tends to release more moisture when heated.

What’s the best way to reheat this skillet dish?

Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil helps keep it moist, usually about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, the microwave works well for quick reheating—add a splash of broth or water to keep the rice creamy and cover loosely to trap moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe holds a special spot in my heart for its blend of ease and richness without any fuss. It’s the dinner I turn to when I want simple ingredients to feel like a warm hug on a plate. I’m confident you’ll find it just as comforting and versatile—give it a try and make it your own!