Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet

When comfort food meets convenience, you get the ultimate one-pan wonder: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet. This dish brings together tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, fluffy rice, and a velvety cheese sauce in one skillet — no need for multiple pots or long clean-up sessions. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a hearty home-cooked dinner.

The magic begins with juicy, seasoned chicken seared until golden and flavorful. Then, the skillet builds layers of taste with sautéed onion and garlic, followed by simmering rice right in chicken broth for added depth. Fresh or frozen broccoli steams gently over the rice, keeping its bright color and tender texture.

To finish, the cooked chicken returns to the pan, folded in with creamy sour cream and sharp cheddar cheese. The result is a rich, cozy blend of textures and flavors — creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, with just the right balance of protein and vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that warms the soul and fills the belly, all without a mountain of dishes to tackle afterward.

This recipe is also wonderfully flexible. You can swap ingredients based on what you have or add your favorite seasonings to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for the whole family or making a comforting meal for one, this skillet dinner is a dependable go-to you’ll want to revisit again and again.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup long grain white rice

• 2¼ cups chicken broth

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional: red pepper flakes or chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the uncooked rice and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. After 15 minutes, scatter the broccoli florets over the rice. Cover again and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broccoli is steamed.

5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is creamy and well combined.

6. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with red pepper flakes or parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Variations:

• Protein Swap: Use turkey, ground chicken, or even rotisserie chicken for a faster version.

• Low-Carb Version: Substitute cauliflower rice and reduce broth accordingly.

• Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, peas, or spinach for more color and nutrition.

• Cheese Options: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

Tips:

• If using frozen broccoli, no need to thaw — just add it straight to the skillet in step 4.

• Keep the lid on during simmering to ensure even rice cooking and broccoli steaming.

• Stir gently after adding cheese and sour cream to maintain the creamy texture without breaking up the rice.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.

This creamy chicken broccoli rice skillet is pure comfort in a single pan — simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for bringing everyone to the table.