Introduction:
One-pan meals are a game-changer when it comes to making dinner fast, easy, and with minimal cleanup. The One-Pan Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Bake is a perfect example of a comforting, wholesome meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and nutrient-packed broccoli—all cooked together in a single baking dish. Not only does this save you from washing multiple pots and pans, but it also allows the flavors to meld together as the rice absorbs the chicken’s juices, creating a deliciously cohesive meal.
This viral one-pan recipe is especially great for families, as it’s both filling and nutritious. Plus, it’s customizable—swap out the broccoli for your favorite vegetable or use different herbs and seasonings to suit your taste. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet flavorful dish that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your preferred herb blend)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large, deep baking dish or casserole with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli Base
In the baking dish, add the uncooked long-grain white rice, diced onion, and minced garlic. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture. Season the rice and broccoli with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried thyme. For a creamier texture, you can stir in the optional ½ cup of heavy cream at this stage.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Season
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring that they’re evenly spaced.
Step 4: Pour the Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, making sure the liquid is evenly distributed. The broth will help cook the rice and keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help trap the steam, ensuring the rice cooks through evenly and the chicken remains juicy. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and Add Cheese (Optional)
After 35-40 minutes, remove the foil and check if the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and if the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C). If everything looks good, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Place it back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese slightly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Cooking Notes:
- If using brown rice instead of white rice, increase the cooking time to 50-55 minutes, as brown rice takes longer to cook.
- Feel free to switch up the vegetables: zucchini, carrots, or cauliflower can be used in place of broccoli.
- If you prefer chicken thighs, they can be substituted for breasts. Just note that bone-in thighs will require a slightly longer cooking time.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before assembling the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- This One-Pan Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Bake is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it alongside a simple side salad or a slice of garlic bread for extra texture and variety.
- A light drizzle of lemon juice or a spoonful of pesto over the baked chicken just before serving can add a burst of brightness to the dish.
- For a family gathering or potluck, double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish to feed more people.
Tips:
- To prevent the rice from becoming too soggy, make sure to measure the liquid correctly. Long-grain rice needs about 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes after adding the cheese to give it a golden crust.
- If the chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly in the same amount of time as the rice.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 490
Protein: 42g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 14g
Sodium: 650mg
Conclusion:
The One-Pan Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Bake is an ideal recipe for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal with minimal cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and broccoli makes it a balanced and satisfying dinner that’s sure to please the entire family. Plus, the fact that everything cooks together in one dish means that it’s both easy and convenient—no need for multiple pots and pans. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or making a cozy dinner, this viral one-pan recipe is the perfect solution.
Print
One-Pan Chicken, Broccoli, & Rice Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or your preferred herb blend)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamier texture)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large, deep baking dish or casserole with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli Base
In the baking dish, add the uncooked long-grain white rice, diced onion, and minced garlic. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the dish. Then, arrange the broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture. Season the rice and broccoli with a pinch of salt, pepper, and dried thyme. For a creamier texture, you can stir in the optional ½ cup of heavy cream at this stage.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Season
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season them on both sides with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the rice and broccoli in the baking dish, ensuring that they’re evenly spaced.
Step 4: Pour the Broth
Gently pour the chicken broth over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, making sure the liquid is evenly distributed. The broth will help cook the rice and keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help trap the steam, ensuring the rice cooks through evenly and the chicken remains juicy. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
Step 6: Uncover and Add Cheese (Optional)
After 35-40 minutes, remove the foil and check if the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and if the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C). If everything looks good, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Place it back in the oven, uncovered, for an additional 10 minutes to melt and brown the cheese slightly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 490
- Sodium: 650mg
- Protein: 42g