30-Minute Protein-Packed Cheesy Rice
A creamy, cheesy rice dish with tender broccoli, made quickly in one pot. Perfect for a healthy, protein-rich meal, this recipe is flavorful, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Equipment
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 fork for fluffing
- 1 stirring spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 cup frozen broccoli thawed and chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: splash of milk or half-and-half for creaminess
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice Thoroughly: Begin by placing your long-grain rice in a fine-mesh strainer or a medium bowl. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This important step removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky or clumping together. Take your time and gently swirl the rice with your fingers to ensure each grain is cleaned. Once rinsed, set the rice aside to drain.
- Bring Broth to a Gentle Boil: In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking at the bottom. Using chicken broth instead of water infuses the rice with a rich, savory flavor from the start, giving your dish a deeper taste profile.
- Add Rice and Simmer: Once the broth reaches a boil, stir in the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat immediately to low, allowing the rice to cook gently. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, which helps the rice cook evenly. Let the rice simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, avoid lifting the lid too often, as steam is essential for tender, fluffy rice. Check occasionally near the end to ensure the broth is mostly absorbed and the rice grains are tender.
- Fluff the Rice: After the rice has absorbed most of the liquid and is fully tender, remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. This separates the grains without crushing them, giving you a light, airy texture. Fluffing also helps prepare the rice to better incorporate the butter, cheese, and broccoli in the next steps.
- Incorporate Butter and Garlic: Add 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder directly to the hot, fluffy rice. Stir thoroughly, ensuring that the butter is evenly distributed and the garlic flavor lightly coats every grain. This step enhances the richness and aroma of the rice, laying the foundation for a creamy, savory dish.
- Fold in Broccoli: Gently fold in 1 cup of thawed and chopped broccoli. Make sure each piece is evenly mixed into the rice. Cover the pan again for 2–3 minutes on low heat, allowing the broccoli to warm through while retaining its bright green color and slight crunch. This step ensures the vegetables remain fresh-tasting and nutrient-rich.
- Melt in the Cheese: Gradually stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese while the rice is still warm. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted, creating a creamy, velvety coating over the rice and broccoli. For an extra creamy consistency, add a splash of milk or half-and-half at this stage, stirring gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve Immediately: Once the cheese has melted and everything is evenly mixed, transfer the rice to a serving dish or serve directly from the saucepan. Garnish with extra cheddar, a sprinkle of black pepper, or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and satisfying one-pot meal hot, either as a side dish or a hearty main.
Notes
- Always rinse your long-grain rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Frozen broccoli works perfectly for this recipe; just be sure to thaw and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Freshly grated cheddar melts more evenly than pre-shredded cheese, giving the rice a creamier, smoother texture.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding a splash of milk or half-and-half, depending on your preference.
- You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this recipe fully vegetarian.
