Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Skillet – A One-Pan Wonder

Eten en Voeden
Sep 4
3 min read

There’s something incredibly comforting about a one-skillet meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with everything you need in one bite. This Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Skillet has quickly become a weeknight staple in our home—and for good reason. It's easy to throw together, incredibly satisfying, and the cleanup is minimal. Win, win, win!

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just need a cozy dinner that comes together in under 40 minutes, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Skillet Meal

One pan = less mess: Everything cooks in one large skillet or pan—no need to juggle multiple pots.
Comfort food vibes: Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and crisp-tender broccoli.
Kid-approved: This is one of those meals even picky eaters usually love!
Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and makes a great lunch the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil & Butter
boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
Salt & pepper, to taste
medium onion, finely chopped
garlic, minced
long-grain white rice (uncooked)
chicken broth / water can be used in a pinch
broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
fresh or canned corn
Milk or half and half
Shredded cheddar cheese
paprika and thyme
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness

How to Make It

Sauté the chicken:Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and almost cooked through (about 5–6 minutes). Season with paprika and thyme.
Cook the aromatics: add the chopped onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Toast the rice:Stir in the uncooked rice, broccoli and corn. Let the rice toast for 1–2 minutes with the onions and garlic—this adds great flavor!
Simmer:Pour in the chicken broth and milk, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the rice is nearly done.
Make it creamy:Stir the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is hot, creamy, and well combined.
Serve & enjoy:Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, topped with extra cheese, a sprinkle of herbs, or a dash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.

Tips & Variations

No milk? Use half and half or heavy cream.
Add more veggies: Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great here.
Use rotisserie chicken: Cut even more time by tossing in pre-cooked chicken!
Make it low-carb: Sub cauliflower rice and adjust cooking time as needed.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen up the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Skillet is everything I love in a cozy dinner: warm, hearty, and made with simple ingredients. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Or better yet—tag me on Instagram (@eten_en_voeden) so I can see your delicious creation!