Name: Cheesy Chicken and 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

There’s something so cozy about a one-pot meal that sneaks in comfort and nutrition at the same time — that’s exactly why I adore this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe. From the melty cheese to tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, everything cooks together in less than 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight winner.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy casserole dish in a metal pan on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main layers: the bottom layer is light beige and looks creamy, filled with small chunks of white meat and rice; the middle layer has bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly throughout; the top layer is a melted mix of orange and white cheese, slightly browned in spots with some fresh green herbs sprinkled on top. A spoon is lifting a scoop from the pan, showing all three layers together in detail. 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 and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get over how effortlessly this dish comes together — it’s like the ultimate hug on a plate, especially when you need dinner fast without sacrificing flavor or quality.

All in One Skillet: Saves you from a mountain of dishes and keeps things simple but satisfying.
Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The cheddar cheese melts perfectly, adding that irresistible comfort-food factor we all crave.
Loaded with Veggies: Broccoli adds color, crunch, and a nutritional punch without stealing the spotlight.
Flexible and Fast: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe fits right into busy evenings or casual family dinners.

This image shows a skillet filled with a cheesy broccoli and rice dish. The bottom layer has white rice mixed with cooked chicken pieces. On top of that are bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly. The whole dish is covered by melted yellow and white cheese that looks creamy and stretchy. A spoon lifts a portion from the skillet, showing the layers with melted cheese stretching down. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe pulls its weight to make this dish comforting and easy. Plus, it’s pretty forgiving — if you need to swap something, I’ll clue you in on what works best.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole uncracked brown onion, two raw chicken breasts cubed into bite-sized pieces, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl with whole black peppercorns, four peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of uncooked white rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth, fresh green broccoli florets, a small white ceramic bowl overflowing with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of vivid green fresh parsley 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: Perfect for sautéing the chicken and onions, adding subtle richness without overpowering the flavors.
Onion: Gives a natural sweetness and depth once it softens; make sure you chop it finely for even cooking.
Chicken breasts: Lean but juicy when cooked right; cubed into bite-size pieces to cook evenly and quickly.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and veggies.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant warmth — don’t skip it! Mince finely to avoid overpowering bites.
Rice: The heart of this skillet; it cooks right in the stew-like mixture, soaking up all those comforting flavors.
Cream of chicken soup: Brings creamy texture and classic comfort without needing any roux or extra steps.
Chicken broth (low sodium): Controls saltiness and helps the rice cook tender; start with the recommended amount and add more if rice isn't quite done.
Broccoli florets: Freshness and green goodness – toss them in last to keep them slightly crisp and bright.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and utterly delicious – it’s what really finishes this bowl with that luscious cheesy layer.
Fresh parsley: A green sprinkle that adds freshness and a little color pop when serving.

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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

Everyone loves putting their own spin on a good recipe, and this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe is no exception. I often tinker with the cheese blend or swap veggies based on what’s fresh or in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes I switch out broccoli for asparagus or green beans — both hold up well and add their own punch of color and texture.
Go lighter: Use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat cream of chicken soup to lighten the dish without losing that creamy charm.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the chicken to give it a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.

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

Step 1: Sauté the onions and chicken until golden

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large ovenproof skillet. Toss in your chopped onion and cubed chicken breasts. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is just starting to brown and is no longer pink inside. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t rush this step — those browned edges add so much flavor! Then, stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until it smells heavenly.

Step 2: Add rice, soup, and broth, then let it simmer

Pour in your uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer gently. I recommend checking and stirring every so often so it doesn’t stick; cook until the rice is tender, about 15 minutes. If the rice still feels firm and liquid is drying up, add a splash more broth — keeping the rice moist is key!

Step 3: Stir in broccoli and half the cheese, then broil

After the rice is cooked through, fold in the broccoli florets and sprinkle half the cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let it cook for just a couple more minutes so the broccoli softens slightly but stays bright and fresh. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top and pop the skillet under your broiler for 2 minutes — keep a close eye on it! You want that perfect golden, slightly bubbly cheese crust without burning.

Step 4: Garnish and serve warm

Once the cheese is melted and lightly browned, take the skillet out, sprinkle fresh parsley all over, and dive in. It’s best enjoyed immediately while everything’s still melty and warm.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe multiple times, these tried-and-true tips save time and avoid common cooking fails — so you get a creamy, flavorful meal every single time.

Brown the chicken well: That golden crust adds a ton of flavor and texture — don’t just cook it until pale; let it develop color without overcooking.
Cover and check liquid: Since rice can vary, keep a little extra chicken broth on hand and add it gradually if the rice is still tough but liquid is drying up.
Broccoli timing: Add the broccoli just near the end to keep it vibrant; overcooking makes it mushy and dull in color.
Watch the broiler: Cheese goes from perfect to burnt in seconds — keep the skillet right under the broiler and watch constantly.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe

cheesy chicken broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it brings a little brightness that cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes I throw on a handful of extra shredded cheese or a dash of smoked paprika for a flavor twist.

Side Dishes

This skillet is hearty enough on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp mixed green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I’ve served this right out of the skillet at the table – warm, inviting, and family-style. Another fun idea is to serve it in individual ramekins topped with a little extra melted cheese and parsley sprigs for a special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day meals just as tasty.

Freezing

Freezing works, but the broccoli can get a little softer after thawing. I recommend freezing before adding the broccoli and cheese, then adding fresh broccoli and cheese when reheating.

Reheating

I like reheating leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. You can also microwave it covered, but slow stovetop warming keeps the texture best.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can substitute brown rice, but it will require longer cooking time and more liquid. I usually parboil the brown rice first or increase the broth amount significantly and cook covered for about 40 minutes to ensure it’s tender.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade or lighter option, you can make a quick roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth, then stir in a bit of milk to create a creamy base. Alternatively, use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor or a dairy-free cream soup for dietary needs.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. Using a gluten-free rice (like basmati or jasmine) ensures the whole dish stays safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

Stir the ingredients well after adding liquids and keep the heat at medium-low while cooking. Checking occasionally and stirring gently will help prevent sticking. Also, using a good non-stick or well-seasoned skillet makes a big difference.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Skillet Recipe has become one of those dishes I love to make almost habitually when I want something hearty, cheesy, and homey without fussing too much. It has that perfect balance of creamy texture, savory flavor, and fresh veggie pop that everyone in my family immediately goes for seconds on. I hope it earns a spot in your dinner rotation too — it’s truly a quick, delicious way to make mealtime feel special.