A hearty, all-in-one meal that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, creamy cheeses, and fluffy rice in a single bowl. This dish balances protein, vegetables, and comfort—all coated in a luscious cheese sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave both convenience and satisfaction. Each bowl delivers lean protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from broccoli, and the irresistible richness of melted cheddar and mozzarella. The entire dish cooks in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor as the ingredients meld together. Whether you’re meal-prepping or simply feeding a hungry family, these bowls offer customizable comfort in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
broccoli florets
cooked rice (white or brown)
olive oil
onion, diced
garlic, minced
cheddar cheese, shredded
mozzarella cheese, shredded
milk or cream
paprika
dried thyme
salt and freshly ground black pepper
chopped parsley or sliced green onions (optional garnish)

directions

Prepare the rice. If you haven’t done so already, cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions and set aside.
Season the chicken. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Sauté aromatics. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Add broccoli. Add the broccoli florets, stir to coat, then cover and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the broccoli is bright green and just tender.
Combine rice and chicken. Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked rice. Stir gently to combine.
Make it cheesy. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the milk or cream and sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients.
Serve. Divide among bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 bowls
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap the protein. Use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey breast in place of raw chicken.
Change the grain. Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Switch up the cheese. Pepper Jack, Gouda, or a Mexican cheese blend can add new flavor dimensions.
Add extra vegetables. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be stirred in along with the broccoli.
Make it spicy. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when melting the cheese.

storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring and adding a splash of milk if the mixture has become too thick. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, again adding a little milk to preserve creaminess.

FAQs

What type of rice works best for this recipe?

You may use white rice, brown rice, jasmine, basmati, or even leftover rice. Brown rice adds more fiber but may require an extra minute or two of cooking.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes. If using frozen florets, add them directly to the skillet without thawing and increase the covered cooking time by about 2–3 minutes.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

All ingredients are naturally gluten-free provided your spices, cheese, and other pantry items are certified gluten-free.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe as meal prep?

Absolutely. Portion into individual containers and refrigerate. Reheat each serving in the microwave or on the stovetop; garnish fresh just before eating.

Can I use cream cheese or Greek yogurt instead of milk?

You can stir in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or plain Greek yogurt at the end for extra creaminess, but reduce overall liquid accordingly to prevent clumping.

What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Melt the cheese slowly over low heat and stir constantly. Adding a small amount of milk or cream helps create a smooth sauce.

How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?

Simply double or triple all ingredients and use a larger pan or cook in batches to ensure even cooking and proper browning.

Can I add more vegetables without altering the texture?

Yes. Just be mindful that additional moisture from veggies like tomatoes or zucchini may require cooking a bit longer to evaporate excess liquid.

What garnish options complement this dish?

Fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or cilantro provide a bright contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice also livens up the flavors.

Can this dish be frozen?

Cheese-based dishes can become slightly grainy after freezing. For best results, freeze without cheese, then stir in fresh cheese upon reheating.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Bowls provide a balanced, flavorful meal that is both simple to prepare and versatile enough to satisfy varied tastes. With minimal cleanup and plenty of room for customization, this one-bowl wonder serves as an ideal solution for busy evenings, meal prep plans, or anytime you crave a comforting, nutritious dish.