One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipes

The Best One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Recipes (Budget Friendly, Healthy & Family-Approved)

As someone who cooks almost every day and also writes about food for a living, I can honestly say that one pot chicken broccoli and rice recipes are one of the most requested meals from readers. Every time I test recipes for busy families, this dish always wins. It’s budget friendly, comforting, nutritious, and — best of all — it saves dishes.

I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, especially on hectic evenings when everyone is hungry and patience is low. Over the years, I’ve refined it into a one pot, cheap, and reliable dinner that fits clean eating goals while still feeling like affordable comfort food. This article combines my personal cooking experience with professional tips to help you master it.

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Why One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice Is a Weeknight Hero

There’s a reason this meal shows up again and again on Pinterest boards and family dinner tables. It checks every box: protein, vegetables, and carbs in one pan. For busy parents or anyone craving simple family dinners ideas, this recipe is a lifesaver.

• Minimal cleanup thanks to one pan cooking
• Balanced, healthy meals with real ingredients
• Flexible enough for picky eaters
• Perfect for weeknight dinners and leftovers

From a chef’s perspective, it’s also forgiving. Even beginner cooks can get great results.

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Budget Breakdown: Why This Meal Is Cheap but Satisfying

I started making this dish during a season when I was intentionally cutting grocery costs. Chicken thighs, rice, and broccoli are consistently affordable ingredients, especially when bought in bulk. When combined thoughtfully, they create filling portions without inflating your grocery bill.

This recipe easily feeds four people for under a modest budget, making it one of my favorite cheap and budget friendly options. It’s also ideal for meal prep, since it reheats beautifully.

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Exact Ingredients & Measurements (Serves 4)

Using precise measurements is what turns a simple dish into a consistently great one. Here’s what I use every time:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) long-grain white rice, rinsed
• 2 ¾ cups (660 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups (180 g) broccoli florets, cut small
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

These ingredients keep the dish aligned with clean eating while still delivering comfort.

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How to Cook It: One Pot Method

This quick and easy method is what makes this recipe so popular in my own kitchen.

1. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden.
3. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
5. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12 minutes.
7. Scatter broccoli on top, cover again, and cook 5 more minutes.
8. Remove from heat, sprinkle cheese if using, cover, and rest for 5 minutes.

The result is tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli — all in one pot.

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Turning It Into a Cozy Casserole

On nights when I want something extra comforting, I turn this dish into a baked casserole. Simply transfer the cooked mixture into a baking dish, top with an additional ½ cup (50 g) cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.

This version is especially popular for family gatherings and makes excellent leftovers.

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Kitchen Tools I Personally Recommend

After years of cooking and testing recipes like this, these tools consistently make one-pot meals easier and better.

1. Lodge 6-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Dutch Oven

This Dutch oven retains heat beautifully and cooks rice evenly without burning. I reach for it whenever I make one pot chicken broccoli and rice recipes.

If you want reliable one-pan meals with perfect results, this is a worthwhile investment for your kitchen.

2. OXO Good Grips Measuring Cup Set

Accurate measurements matter, especially for rice-to-liquid ratios. These measuring cups are easy to read and comfortable to use.

Upgrade your cooking accuracy and get consistent results every time.

3. Rubbermaid Brilliance Meal Prep Containers

I use these weekly for meal prep. They keep leftovers fresh and don’t leak, making them ideal for busy schedules.

Make weekday lunches effortless by storing your meals properly.

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Healthy & Clean Eating Benefits

This dish proves that healthy meals don’t have to be boring. With lean protein, fiber-rich broccoli, and controlled portions of rice, it fits comfortably into a balanced diet.

I often recommend this recipe to readers who want clean eating without giving up comfort. Skipping heavy cream and relying on broth and spices keeps flavors clean and satisfying.

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Meal Prep & Storage Tips

This is one of my favorite meal prep dinners. Store portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or broth before microwaving to keep the rice fluffy.

You can also freeze it for up to 2 months, making it perfect for future weeknight emergencies.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not rinsing rice (leads to mushy texture)
• Overcooking broccoli
• Using high heat throughout
• Skipping the resting time

These small details make a big difference in one pot cooking.

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Why Families Love This Recipe

From my own experience and reader feedback, this meal works because it’s comforting, familiar, and flexible. Kids love the mild flavors, adults appreciate the nutrition, and everyone enjoys fewer dishes.

It truly embodies simple family dinners ideas while staying affordable.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for one pot chicken broccoli and rice recipes that are budget friendly, satisfying, and reliable, this one deserves a permanent spot in your rotation. I still make it regularly — not because I have to, but because I genuinely love it.

It’s proof that quick and easy, cheap, and nourishing meals can absolutely coexist.