While weeknights can be chaotic, a satisfying meal doesn’t need to suffer as a result. With this One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice recipe, you’ll swiftly assemble a satisfying, velvety-smooth dish that combines the comforting trio of chicken, broccoli, and rice, all while minimizing kitchen chaos with only one pot to clean. With all ingredients simmering harmoniously in a single pot, you won’t find the need to rely on processed cream-based soups. Discover the rich flavor of our homemade sauce, crafted with authentic ingredients that are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Why Our Recipe
- A rich aromatic stew simmers effortlessly, its various ingredients harmoniously blending their flavors as they cook simultaneously in a single vessel. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
- Indulge in this rich, velvety, and utterly satisfying dish, a true embodiment of comfort cuisine.
- Savory goodness in a rich, velvety texture, sans any cream of the ordinary.
This delectable one-pot dish is the epitome of comforting cuisine. With its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, this hearty dish is sure to delight everyone in your household, while also minimizing cleanup duties by being a convenient one-pot meal. Whether it’s the middle of winter and you want something that tastes cozy, or you’re sick of drive-thrus, our One Pot Chicken Broccoli & Rice will knock it out of the park.
Ingredient Notes
- Cut into cubes.
- We use long-grain white rice.
- Frozen broccoli florets provide a convenient alternative to fresh broccoli, still yielding a satisfying crunch.
- Consider opting for a lower-sodium alternative or craft your own rich broth using high-quality bouillon cubes or carefully curated seasonings.
- For a robust and tangy taste, we consistently opt for sharp cheddar cheese.
- This combination of ingredients adds depth to the flavour and facilitates a golden-brown finish on the chicken.
- Diced white onions impart a subtle sweetness and a hint of mild flavor. Can be used as a substitute in a pinch if you don’t have yellow onions on hand.
- If you have a passion for garlic, don’t hesitate to augment your recipe with an additional clove or two.
- All-purpose flour serves as a thickening agent, lending its texture-enhancing properties to the sauce and yielding a rich, creamy consistency. To eliminate any lingering raw flour flavor, it’s essential to thoroughly cook the dish alongside the rice.
- Infuses a dish with a luxurious texture and subtle indulgence, striking a perfect balance between richness and lightness. While whole milk is the preferred choice, you may also use 2% or, as an alternative, opt for a non-dairy variety such as almond milk if required.
- Feel free to adjust the amounts to suit your palate, opting for a different herb blend if Italian seasoning is not your preference.
Sauce Thickness
The consistency of the sauce can vary to suit individual tastes, ranging from a rich, thick texture to a lighter, more fluid one. To achieve the desired consistency when a sauce is too thick, incrementally add more broth in 1/4-cup increments, thoroughly whisking in between additions until the ideal texture is achieved.
To achieve the desired thickness, combine one tablespoon of flour with 1/4 cup of milk in a bowl, whisking until smooth and lump-free. Gradually add the mixture to the pot, stirring continuously, until the desired consistency is attained.
Make it a Freezer Meal
Once the dish has finished cooking, permit it to cool down entirely. Once cooled to room temperature, portion the prepared mixture into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic freezer bags, ensuring a secure seal for optimal storage and preservation of quality. Allow for a small margin at the top of each container, as foods tend to expand during the freezing process. Containers are labeled with the date and contents, then stored in the freezer within a three-month timeframe.
Thaw a single serving in the refrigerator 24 hours prior to consumption. Carefully reheat the dish in the microwave, possibly augmenting the consistency with a judicious addition of low-fat chicken broth or whole milk, should the mixture appear overly viscous. Stirring gently, heat the mixture in 30-second increments, ensuring a smooth consistency as you go, until it reaches your desired temperature.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Stored in an airtight container, leftovers remain fresh for up to three days.
Stirring carefully after every 30 seconds of high-heat exposure in the microwave, ensure the portions are heated evenly.