The Ultimate One Pot Chicken & Rice
If you’re looking for a no fuss family dinner this one’s for you! It’s kind of a cross between a rice casserole and a risotto. Here’s why you’re gonna love it:
One Pot – This all goes down in one pot yay for less washing up Combo – Chicken, broccoli, bacon and cheddar. There really is no better combo for dinner! Filling – This will easily feed 5. It’s big, carby and hearty!
It’s also ridiculously delicious, which is always a plus. All good chicken and rice dishes start with good chicken. Follow me…
Chicken Breast vs Chicken Thigh
For this recipe your best bet is boneless skinless chicken thigh. I prefer using thigh over breast for 3 reasons:
Render the Bacon!
To start the dish you actually want to begin with the bacon. Keep it on a medium heat and render out as much fat as possible. This will not only allow the bacon to crisp up, but it’ll also leave enough oil to start the chicken.
One Pot Rice
Like I mentioned this is a one pot recipe so there’s no need to precook the rice. This way the rice will absorb all those gorgeous flavours as it cooks. The starch from the rice also thickens the sauce. Process shots: fry bacon then remove (photo 1), add chicken (photo 2), fry both sides (photo 3), stir in rice (photo 4), add in milk and chicken stock (photo 5), add chives and dijon mustard (photo 6).
Cheddar and Broccoli
Once you’ve added in the liquids it’s time for the broccoli. Same as the rice, this doesn’t need pre-cooking as it’ll cook in with the rice. I usually let the rice simmer for 10mins or so before adding the broccoli, just because I like it to have a bite to it. But you can add it in with the rice if you like it softer.
Do I have to use cheddar?
Cheddar is the classic combo with broccoli, but I have subbed out for parmesan before which works nicely, as does Gruyere. Process shots: simmer rice (photo 7), add in broccoli (photo 8), simmer until cooked (photo 9), stir through cheddar and bacon (photo 10).
How do I store leftovers?
This keeps great in the fridge for 3-4days. Just allow to completely cool and tightly cover in the fridge. If you’re after another delicious broccoli recipe check out my Broccoli Pasta Bake! If you’re looking for more similar recipes check out these beauties too:
One Pot Dinner Recipes
Spanish One Pot Chicken Orzo One Pot Meatballs and Rice Creamy One Pot Pasta with Asparagus and Bacon One Pot Creamy Mushroom Orzo
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this broccoli, cheddar, chicken & rice shall we?!
How to make Chicken Broccoli Rice (Full Recipe & Video)
If you loved this Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe then be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Give me a shout in the comments and pick up your free ecookbook along the way!
