There’s nothing better than a hearty skillet dinner that’s quick, creamy, and full of flavor.
This cheesy broccoli chicken skillet is comforting, cheesy, and made in one pan for easy cleanup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s a complete meal with protein, veggies, and rice in one pan.
The creamy cheese sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something fast and filling.
It reheats well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, ideal for skillet cooking.
Broccoli adds freshness and balances the richness with healthy greens.
White rice makes the dish hearty and absorbs all the flavors.
Sour cream and shredded cheese create a creamy, cheesy finish.
A touch of red pepper flakes gives it a subtle kick.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Keep the skillet covered while cooking the rice to trap steam.
Don’t skip the sour cream—it gives the dish its signature creaminess.
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Skillet
Step 1 – Cook the chicken and onion
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add seasoned chicken pieces and onion.
Cook until chicken is browned and onion is soft.
Step 2 – Add rice and broccoli
Stir in garlic, uncooked rice, broccoli, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Step 3 – Simmer with chicken broth
Pour in chicken stock, bring to a boil, then cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid absorbed, about 17 minutes.
Step 4 – Stir in creaminess
Add sour cream and ½ cup shredded cheese. Stir until creamy.
Step 5 – Finish with melted cheese
Top with remaining cheese, cover, and let it melt gently before serving.
What to Serve Them With
Pair with a fresh green salad for balance.
Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
Enjoy with roasted veggies for extra nutrition.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast or turkey.
Use brown rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking time.
Add mushrooms, peas, or carrots for more vegetables.
Try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar for more flavor.
Storage & Leftovers
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture of the rice may change slightly.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
Yes, just reduce broth and cooking time, adding rice in the last few minutes.
Can I make it low-carb?
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice and reduce the broth.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend melt beautifully.
Can I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Does it work with frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain before adding to avoid extra water.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, it’s a lighter substitute and still creamy.
Final Thoughts
This cheesy broccoli chicken skillet is cozy, creamy, and comforting.
It’s the kind of meal that pleases the whole family and makes weeknights stress-free.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
½ onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup white rice
2 cups broccoli, finely chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch red pepper flakes
2 cups chicken stock
½ cup sour cream
1½ cups shredded cheese
Instructions
Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, add with onion, and cook until browned and onion soft, about 6 minutes.
Stir in garlic, rice, broccoli, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook about 17 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Stir in sour cream and ½ cup cheese until creamy. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top, cover, and let melt for 2 minutes.
SEO Summary
SEO Title: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Skillet – One-Pan Comfort Food
Meta Description: This cheesy broccoli chicken skillet is creamy, flavorful, and made in one pan with chicken, rice, and broccoli. Perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Focus Keyword: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Skillet
Keyword Density: ~1.3%
Word Count: ~1,180
Google-safe: ✅
Ingredients preserved: ✅
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