Bowl of cheesy broccoli chicken with chicken bites, steamed rice, and melted cheddar in a skillet, garnished with vibrant broccoli, ideal for a cozy family dinner.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Dinner : 30-Minute Healthy Family Meal!

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Craving comfort, simplicity, and nutrition all in one dish? This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken one-pan dinner is the answer to your busy weeknights. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal packed with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and melty sharp cheddar cheese.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes for stress-free meals.
  • Healthy & Hearty: Protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli.
  • Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
  • Minimal Dishes: Whole meal made in a single skillet.

Ingredient List

IngredientQuantityAffiliate Source
Extra virgin olive oil3 tbsp
Yellow onion (diced)1/2 medium
Boneless skinless chicken breasts1 lb
Garlic (minced)2 cloves
Kosher salt & freshly ground pepperAs needed
Extra long grain white rice (uncooked)1 cup
Low-sodium chicken broth2 1/2 cups
Broccoli florets2 1/2 cups
Extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)2 cups

Equipment You’ll Need

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Increase heat and brown the chicken.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
  4. Push chicken aside, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and stir in uncooked rice. Sauté for 2 minutes.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle broccoli on top, stir, cover, and cook another 8 minutes until rice and broccoli are tender.
  7. Take off heat. Stir in 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until melted.
  8. Top with remaining cheese, recover, and let set 2 minutes until cheese fully melts.

Quick Tips

  • Try an air fryer to roast broccoli for an extra toasty flavor!
  • Use an electric mixer for shredded chicken if prepping a double batch.
  • For a gluten-free meal, check your broth and cheese labels.

Helpful FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead?
Absolutely, but increase cooking time by about 10 minutes and add a splash more broth if needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Let cool, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

What proteins work besides chicken?
Diced turkey, cooked sausage, or even chickpeas are tasty swaps.

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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Dinner : 30-Minute Healthy Family Meal!

Print Recipe

A quick and comforting family dinner featuring juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and gooey cheddar.

  • Author: Marie
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Total Time: 35 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/2 medium yellow onion, diced finely

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice

2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 1/2 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite sized pieces

2 cups shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, sauté onions in two tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.

2. Once onions soften, increase heat to medium high and add chicken to the pan.

3. Brown the chicken pieces and add the garlic. Cook for about 1 more minute.

4. Push chicken to one side and add remaining oil to other side. Add rice, sauté for a couple of minutes.

5. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Lower heat, cover, and simmer 12 minutes.

6. Sprinkle broccoli over mixture, stir, and cover. Cook 8 minutes longer until broccoli and rice are tender.

7. Remove from heat and stir in half a cup cheese.

8. Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let sit 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.

Notes

Use an air fryer to toast broccoli, or swap chicken for turkey for variation.