Ninja Foodi Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice is everything you want in a one-pot meal—creamy, hearty, and full of comforting flavor.
It’s made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, melty cheese, and just enough broccoli to balance things out. The Ninja Foodi makes it fast and hands-off, so you can get dinner on the table with minimal effort and cleanup.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or prepping meals for the week, this recipe is a simple, satisfying go-to that always delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the definition of easy comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, yet uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
The Ninja Foodi makes the whole process a breeze—pressure cooking the chicken and rice together ensures everything is tender and perfectly cooked.
You’ll only need about 10 minutes of active prep, and the rest is hands-off. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so it’s ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
What You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long grain white rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup milk (or more as needed for creaminess)
Pro Tips
- Sauté the chicken first for added flavor and to seal in moisture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese—it melts better and gives the dish great flavor.
- Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes before quick-releasing to keep the rice fluffy.
- Cut broccoli into small, uniform pieces so it cooks evenly when stirred in.
- Add milk and cheese after cooking to avoid curdling and ensure smooth creaminess.
Tools You’ll Need
- Ninja Foodi (or any pressure cooker/air fryer combo)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
Substitutions & Variations
No Chicken? Try ground turkey or rotisserie chicken.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth—add mushrooms or extra broccoli.
Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice (reduce broth to 1 cup and skip pressure cooking).
Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheddar blend.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice chicken and chop onions ahead to save time.
- Shred cheese in advance and store in the fridge.
- The dish can be fully cooked, stored, and reheated for quick lunches or dinners all week.
- Leftovers freeze well in single-serving containers for up to 2 months.
How to Make Ninja Foodi Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Onion
Turn your Ninja Foodi to sauté mode. Add olive oil, diced onion, and chicken. Cook for 4–5 minutes until chicken is browned and onions are soft. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Step 2: Add Rice and Seasonings
Turn off sauté mode. Stir in uncooked rice, salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Close the lid and set to high pressure for 10 minutes. Once done, allow 5 minutes of natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Stir in Broccoli and Cheese
Open the lid and stir in broccoli and milk. Close the lid (no pressure) for 5 minutes to steam the broccoli. Then stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls, garnish with extra cheese or chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back creaminess.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
- Great for meal prep lunches—just add a bit of extra cheese before reheating!
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more liquid. If using it, increase broth to 2½ cups and pressure cook for 20–22 minutes. Add broccoli and cheese after cooking as usual.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Frozen broccoli works great—no need to thaw. Just stir it in during Step 4 and let it steam under the closed lid until tender.
3. Can I double the recipe?
You can, but don’t exceed the max fill line on your Ninja Foodi. Add a few extra minutes to pressure cooking if doubling.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir cheese in slowly after the dish is fully cooked. Turn off the heat and mix gradually with milk to ensure smooth melting.
5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months and reheat with a splash of milk for best texture.
Cozy, Creamy, and Perfectly Cheesy
This Ninja Foodi Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice is everything you want in a one-pot dinner—comforting, balanced, and irresistibly cheesy.
It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, comes together quickly, and is packed with protein and veggies in every spoonful.
Whether you’re new to the Ninja Foodi or a seasoned pro, this is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.