This quick, one-skillet chicken and broccoli bake is elevated with farro and freshly grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor. Best of all, this dish is quick to prepare and cooks in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights, it's a wholesome, easy-to-make dinner option.

I'm all about easy one dish meals - from chorizo sweet potato hash to chili lime chicken sweet potato skillet to chicken enchilada skillet.
When you were a kid did you like just plain broccoli? I'm guessing no, but did you like broccoli and cheese? I mean cheese makes everything better, but I feel like broccoli and cheese is one of those introductions to get kids to eat vegetables.
I know it worked for me. Broccoli was officially the first vegetable I ate!
I don't know about you, but I've been on a farro kick lately. My dad introduced it to me when he went on the Mediterranean diet. It has actually been around forever, but is making quite the comeback in today's world.
Yes you can make this chicken broccoli recipe with rice, but why not add some extra nutrients and flavor? After one bite, you'll understand why I used farro.
Oh and one other thing that makes this recipe great! It's all made in one skillet, so less dishes!
Jump to:
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy to make - Quick prep and cook time, all in one skillet for minimal cleanup.
- Customizable - Adjust seasonings, use different proteins, or swap ingredients to suit dietary preferences.
- Kid-friendly - For those picky kids, it's hard to top cheese and broccoli and this is a good meal to introduce them to it.
Ingredient Notes
- Olive oil - Adds richness and helps sauté the chicken, onion and garlic.
- Chicken - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide lean protein and tenderness when cooked.
- Sweet onion - Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Garlic - Minced garlic infuses the bake with aromatic, savory notes.
- Farro - A hearty, nutty grain that adds texture and nuttiness to the dish.
- Italian seasoning - A blend of herbs like basil, oregano and thyme for a classic, Mediterranean flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes - Adds a touch of heat to balance the other flavors.
- Broccoli - Fresh broccoli provides a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Low-sodium chicken stock - Adds moisture and savory flavor without overwhelming the dish with salt.
- Sharp cheddar cheese - Shredded sharp cheddar adds a creamy, tangy flavor and melts on top.
- Salt and pepper - Enhances all the flavors and balances the dish.
Ingredient Swaps
Like any recipe, you can mix up the ingredients if you want. Some variations include:
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option or swap with turkey breast for a leaner protein.
- Swap farro with quinoa, brown rice, or barley for a different texture and grain option.
- Cauliflower or asparagus can be used as alternatives to broccoli for variety or preference.
- Instead of cheddar, use mozzarella, Gruyère or fontina for a different cheese flavor.
How to Make a Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.
Step 1: Cook onion in skillet for 4-5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Step 2: Stir in farro, thyme and crushed red pepper flakes, sauté for 2 minutes,
Step 3: Add chicken stock and chicken, and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until farro is tender.
Step 4: Shred chicken. Add broccoli and half of the cheese, stirring to combine, and cook for 2 minutes.
Step 5: Top with remaining cheese.
Step 6: Broil for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can substitute farro with quinoa, brown rice, barley, or even couscous, depending on your preference.
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, turkey breast or even a plant-based protein like tofu for a different option.
Yes. Cheddar is my go-to for this dish, but go with what you like - from mozzarella to Swiss to Gruyère.
Yes, you can cook the chicken, farro and stock in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, then add the broccoli and cheese toward the end of cooking, letting it melt and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken stock to prevent drying out.
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- You don't have to cook your own chicken. Just use rotisserie chicken, which would be about 2 cups chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to your taste. Add a bit more heat or herbs for a personalized flavor.
- To boost nutrition, consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach or zucchini for added color and flavor.
- Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. It doesn’t taste as good and also has additional ingredients that you don’t need.
Other Recommend Chicken Recipes
If you’ve tried this chicken and broccoli bake or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.
Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup sweet onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup farro, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 large broccoli heads, chopped
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until translucent. Stir in garlic for another minute.
- Add farro, thyme and crushed red pepper flakes and saute for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken stock and chicken stirring everything together and bring to simmer. Reduce heat, cover and cook for 30-35 minutes, or until farro is cooked. Once done, shred the chicken.
- Add the broccoli and half of the cheese and stir until everything is combined. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Top with remaining cheese and place under broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is brown and bubbly.
Notes
- You don't have to cook your own chicken. Just use rotisserie chicken, which would be about 2 cups chicken.
- Feel free to adjust the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes to your taste. Add a bit more heat or herbs for a personalized flavor.
- To boost nutrition, consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach or zucchini for added color and flavor.
- Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. It doesn’t taste as good and also has additional ingredients that you don’t need.
Leave a Reply