Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds! This irresistible one-pan wonder combines tender, golden-brown chicken, perfectly cooked yellow rice, vibrant broccoli, and a luxurious blanket of melted cheddar cheese. In just 40 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's both comforting and nutritionally balanced - proving that delicious doesn't have to mean complicated.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, diced
- 1 cup yellow rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, measuring out all spices and ingredients.
- Season chicken thighs with onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat with a small amount of cooking oil.
- Add seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet, cooking until golden brown and slightly crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm.
- In the same skillet, add yellow rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine and prevent sticking.
- Bring rice mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender.
- While rice is cooking, steam broccoli florets in a separate pot or microwave until bright green and tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked chicken pieces and steamed broccoli.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering the entire dish.
- Cover skillet and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, portioning into individual plates and ensuring each serving has chicken, rice, broccoli, and melted cheese.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the seasonings for 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to ensure even heat distribution and prevent rice from sticking or burning.
- Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor, though boneless works perfectly too.
- Don't skip letting the dish rest after cooking - this allows flavors to meld and makes the cheese extra creamy.
- For a healthier version, use low-sodium chicken broth and opt for reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Ensure your broccoli remains bright green and crisp-tender by not overcooking - it should be vibrant and slightly firm.
- If you prefer a more golden cheese topping, briefly place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after melting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 120mg
