A bowl of chicken broccoli and rice

Weeknights can be busy, but dinner doesn't have to be. With this One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice, you'll have a creamy, cheesy, and very satisfying meal on the table—without all the fuss of extra food. Everything is cooked together in one pot and there is no need for a “creamy” soup. You'll love homemade sauces that use real ingredients and flavors the whole family will enjoy.

try us Old Fashioned American Goulash or us Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole For more delicious weeknight meals.

This one-pot wonder is the ultimate comfort food. It's a complete meal that the whole family will love, and as a bonus, the one-pot meal means you'll avoid doing loads of dishes afterwards. Whether it's the middle of winter and you want something comforting, or you're sick of drive-thrus, our One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice will knock it out of the park.

Material notes

• Chicken breast: Cut into cubes.
• Rice: We use long grain white rice.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a crisp bite, but frozen broccoli florets work just as well.
• Broth: Use a lower-sodium alternative if desired, or make your own broth using bouillon cubes or spices.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is our go-to for the strongest flavor.
• Olive Oil and Butter: This combo adds depth to the flavor and helps brown the chicken nicely.
• White Onion: Chopped white onions bring out a mild, sweet flavor. Yellow onions can be substituted if needed.
• Garlic: If you like garlic, add an extra clove or two.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency. Be sure to cook with rice to get rid of the taste of raw flour.
• Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish without being too heavy. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute with a non-dairy alternative like 2% or even almond milk if needed.
• Dried thyme and oregano: Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste, or swap in Italian seasoning if you prefer.

Sauce thickness

The sauce can be thick or thin depending on your preference. If it's thick and you want to thin it out, add more broth 1/4 cup at a time, stirring until you've reached your sauce perfection.

To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon flour with 1/4 cup milk (make sure it's thoroughly mixed and there are no lumps), then pour the mixture into the pot, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Desired consistency.

Make it a freezer meal

Allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to individual freezer-safe containers or reusable plastic freezer bags. Be sure to leave a small space at the top of each container, as the food will expand slightly when frozen. Label each container with the date and contents, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months

When you're ready to enjoy, thaw a separate portion in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if mixture seems too thick. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm.