One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

Introduction

This One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice is a simple, wholesome meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, it’s all cooked together for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (diced)
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 1 large bunch fresh broccoli (cut into florets)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra (note: the original recipe seems to be incomplete here, likely missing a measurement or ingredient; assuming 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra chicken broth or water)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Cook until the chicken begins to brown and is cooked through, around 5-6 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the uncooked rice and stir to combine, letting it toast slightly, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Step 5: Pour in 2 1/2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Add the broccoli florets on top of the rice and chicken, cover again, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender and rice is fully cooked.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil if desired for extra richness.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
• Swap broccoli for other vegetables like asparagus or green beans depending on your preference.
• If you prefer brown rice, increase the cooking time and chicken broth accordingly.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
• Make it dairy-free by skipping any cheese additions and using olive oil only.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Add it during the final cooking stage but reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using gluten-free chicken broth and rice.

One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 52 reviews

This comforting and nutritious One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe combines tender chicken breast pieces, fresh broccoli, and fluffy long grain white rice cooked together in a flavorful chicken broth. With minimal cleanup and a balanced combination of protein and veggies, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large bunch fresh broccoli, cut into florets
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains and Liquids

• 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 to 2 cups extra water or chicken broth (as needed for cooking rice and broccoli)

Oils and Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, dicing the onion, mincing the garlic, and cutting the broccoli into florets. Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes the process seamless.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces, seasoning with kosher salt and pepper, and sauté until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the uncooked white rice, allowing it to toast lightly for a minute with the chicken and aromatics. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and 1 to 1 1/2 cups extra water or broth, enough to cover the rice by about half an inch. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer and Cook Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the rice to simmer gently for about 12 minutes.
5. Add Broccoli: After 12 minutes, quickly open the lid and add the broccoli florets on top of the rice. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the broccoli. Cover again and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes until the rice is tender and the broccoli is bright green and cooked through.
6. Finish and Serve: Check that the chicken is fully cooked, and fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing the broccoli and chicken evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot as a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Notes

• To prevent the rice from sticking, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
• Feel free to swap the broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or asparagus for variety.
• If preferred, brown the chicken longer for extra flavor before adding rice and broth.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: One pot meal, chicken and rice, broccoli recipe, easy dinner, healthy one pot, quick chicken dinner