This one-pot meal brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. The Knorr Farmstand mix provides the perfect base for tender chicken, cheddar cheese, and fresh broccoli.
What results is a creamy, cheesy rice dish that the whole family will love. It’s a quick and satisfying solution for busy weeknights.
Ingredients for Knorr Farmstand Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Rice
Everything for this creamy, cheesy one-pot comes together in a single package and a few extras.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Knorr Farmstand Chicken Flavor Rice Mix 🍚 | 1 package | Includes seasoning and rice |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts 🍗 | 1 ¼ lb | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Fresh Broccoli Florets 🥦 | 3 cups | Chopped into even pieces |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese 🧀 | 1 ½ cups | Sharp cheddar recommended |
| Water 💧 | 2 ¼ cups | For cooking rice mix |
| Milk 🥛 | ½ cup | Whole or 2% works best |
| Butter 🧈 | 2 tbsp | Salted or unsalted |
| Garlic Powder 🧄 | ½ tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
| Onion Powder 🧅 | ½ tsp | Optional for extra flavor |
| Salt 🧂 | ¼ tsp | Adjust to taste |
| Black Pepper 🌶️ | ¼ tsp | Freshly ground preferred |
The Knorr Farmstand mix is the star here—grab it at Walmart or Target in the rice aisle. I always check the expiration date since these boxes can sit for a while. For the chicken, boneless, skinless breasts stay tender and cook quickly. Buy them fresh the same day if possible (or thaw overnight). The cheddar? Block cheese you shred yourself melts better than pre-shredded.
No chicken breasts? Thighs work too—just trim the fat and cut into similar-sized pieces. Short on cheddar? Colby Jack or Monterey Jack melt just as nicely. The milk can be swapped for chicken broth if you want extra savor. Fresh broccoli is best, but frozen florets (thawed and drained) work in a pinch. Don’t overcook the broccoli—it should stay bright green.
Leftover rice keeps 3-4 days in the fridge, but the broccoli will soften over time. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Doesn’t freeze well, so eat within a few days (though it’s so good, there probably won’t be leftovers).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot Wonder: I toss everything in a single skillet—rice mix, chicken, broccoli—and 20 minutes later, dinner’s done.
- Cheddar Comfort: That melty cheddar mixed with the herby rice? It turns simple ingredients into something I crave all week.
- Weeknight Hero: Between us, this is my go-to when I need a hot meal fast—no planning, no stress.
- Leftovers Win: Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. The rice soaks up all the cheesy, chicken-y goodness overnight.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Rice
This one-pot method keeps cleanup simple while delivering maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 1: Brown the Chicken Breasts
Heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the 2 tbsp Butter and let it melt until it starts to foam. Season the 1.25 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts with 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder, 0.5 tsp Onion Powder, 0.25 tsp Salt, and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper, then add them to the pan.
Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until it’s golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate—it’ll go back in later.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Mix with Broccoli
In the same skillet, add the 3 cups Fresh Broccoli Florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green and just start to soften. Stir in the 1 package Knorr Farmstand Chicken Flavor Rice Mix, then pour in the 2.25 cups Water and 0.5 cup Milk.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Combine and Add Cheese
Once the rice is cooked, return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Sprinkle the 1.5 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt completely.
Stir everything together until the cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy. The broccoli should be tender but still vibrant, and the chicken should be coated in the cheesy, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—though the rice mix is well-seasoned, a pinch more salt or black pepper can enhance the flavors to your liking.
Serve warm, straight from the skillet. Each serving should have a hearty portion of chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice. This one-pot wonder is ready to be enjoyed as a comforting family meal.
Pro Tips For Making Knorr Farmstand Chicken Cheddar Broccoli Rice
- Precook the Chicken: Cube the chicken breasts and cook them separately first—this guarantees they’re fully done before mixing with the rice, which only needs to simmer for 7 minutes. I learned this the hard way after pulling undercooked pieces out of my first batch.
- Blanch the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets in boiling water for 60 seconds, then shock in ice water. It keeps them bright green and crisp-tender in the final dish instead of mushy.
- Use Less Water: Reduce the water by 1/4 cup from the package instructions. The broccoli and chicken release moisture, and skipping this leaves you with a soupy, sad rice mix.
- Cheese Last: Stir in the shredded cheddar only after removing from heat. Adding it earlier makes the cheese clump into a rubbery mess—sounds weird, but it works.
Perfect Pairings for These Flavors
Side Dish Ideas
A simple green salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette cuts through the richness of this dish. I like to toss 4 cups mixed greens with 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar. It adds a fresh contrast. 🥗
Bread Pairings
Serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. I use French baguette slices brushed with garlic butter and toasted for 3-4 minutes in the oven at 375°F. Perfect for dipping!
Vegetable Additions
Add extra veggies like steamed green beans or roasted carrots for more color and texture. I roast carrots at 400°F for 20 minutes with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of salt. They complement the broccoli beautifully.
Drink Pairings
A crisp iced tea or sparkling water with lemon balances the cheesy richness. For something warmer, herbal tea like chamomile or peppermint works well. I always keep a pitcher of sweet tea on hand for family dinners.
Dessert Options
End the meal with a light dessert like vanilla pudding or fresh fruit salad. I love serving sliced strawberries with a drizzle of chocolate sauce. It’s a refreshing way to finish a hearty meal. 💛
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay juicy. Just trim excess fat and cook to 165°F like breasts. They may need 1-2 minutes extra per side.
What if my rice turns out mushy?
This usually means too much liquid or over-stirring. Use exactly 2.25 cups water and 0.5 cup milk, and stir only occasionally. Let it rest 5 minutes before serving.
Can I add extra veggies besides broccoli?
Yes! Try diced bell peppers or sliced carrots. Add them with the broccoli in step 2. Keep total veggies under 4 cups so the rice cooks properly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Not recommended. The rice and broccoli can get watery when thawed. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days though! Reheat gently on the stove.
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