One Pan Chicken Drumsticks Broccoli

Category: Complete Meals with Minimal Cleanup

This dish brings together juicy chicken drumsticks, savory broccoli florets, and creamy cheese rice in one oven-safe pan. With olive oil, aromatic spices like paprika, garlic, adobo, and thyme, each drumstick develops a flavorful seared crust before baking. The broccoli sits atop the rice, becoming perfectly cooked alongside the chicken. Butter adds richness as the oven finishes the work, melding flavors and creating a tender, golden bake. Let it rest before fluffing the rice, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired. The result: a minimal-fuss family dinner with balanced flavors and a cozy, comforting texture.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Wed, 04 Jun 2025 18:35:21 GMT
A pan of chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice. Pin
A pan of chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice. | mellierecipes.com

This flavorful one pan chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice is a true lifesaver on busy evenings when you want a complete meal with little fuss and maximum taste. Everything comes together in just one skillet so cleanup is easy and every bite brings comforting cheesy rice with juicy chicken.

The first time I made this was on a back to school week when homework and sports ruled the night. My family devoured it and I had only one pan to wash.

Ingredients

  • Chicken drumsticks: choose plump drumsticks that feel heavy for their size for the juiciest texture
  • Broccoli and cheddar rice a roni: packs this shortcut meal with rich cheesy flavor and ensures reliably creamy rice
  • Broccoli florets: opt for fresh stalks with tight green buds or use quality frozen for convenience
  • Olive oil: use extra virgin for best flavor when searing chicken
  • Kosher salt: brings out savory depth in both chicken and rice
  • Paprika: adds subtle smokiness choose sweet over hot
  • Garlic powder: go for a fresh potent jar to lift the whole dish
  • Adobo powder: a total game changer for a punchy flavor profile
  • Cumin: buy whole seeds to toast and grind for boldness if possible
  • Dried thyme: seek bright colored leaves for maximum aroma
  • Dried oregano: the right Mediterranean variety will taste more vibrant
  • Butter: unsalted gives creamy finish and helps the rice brown
  • Water: use filtered if your tap water tastes strong
  • Optional chopped parsley: fresh and brightens up right before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven and Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. Gather all your ingredients and have everything measured so you can flow easily from stove to oven
Season and Sear Chicken:
Rub chicken drumsticks with salt paprika garlic powder adobo cumin thyme and oregano. Drizzle one tablespoon olive oil and ensure spices coat both skin and underneath for lots of flavor. In a cast iron skillet or any oven safe deep pan heat another tablespoon olive oil over medium high. Sear the drumsticks for three to four minutes on each side until you see a deep golden crust forming. This step locks in juiciness
Remove Chicken and Start Rice:
Take the browned chicken out and set aside. Melt two tablespoons butter in the same pan then stir in the uncooked rice a roni mixtures so they toast slightly with the leftover chicken bits. Pour in five cups water and add the rice a roni cheese mix. Stir well so everything combines evenly
Assemble Broccoli and Chicken:
Scatter broccoli florets over the top of the rice and gently nestle the drumsticks back on top. This layering lets the juices from chicken flavor the whole skillet while broccoli steams perfectly
Bake to Perfection:
Place the pan uncovered in your preheated oven. Bake for forty five minutes or until chicken hits an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and rice is tender with most liquid absorbed
Rest and Fluff:
Let the pan cool for about ten minutes out of the oven. Fluff the rice with a fork to loosen the creamy grains and finish with fresh parsley if you like
A pan of chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice. Pin
A pan of chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice. | mellierecipes.com

I always love the way broccoli absorbs the cheesy rice and chicken juices. My kids get excited to hunt for the crispy cheese bits at the edge of the pan which brings back my own childhood memories of family dinners

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers completely before packing in airtight containers. This dish keeps well in the fridge up to three days and tastes even better reheated as the flavors deepen. For best results reheat gently with a splash of water in the microwave or covered in the oven

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap chicken drumsticks for bone in thighs or a mix if your family prefers. Swap in brown rice rice a roni for added fiber but add fifteen extra minutes baking time. For a brighter flavor stir in a handful of fresh spinach right before serving

Serving Suggestions

This meal stands alone but if you want to stretch it serve with a crisp cucumber tomato salad or roasted carrots for extra color. A side of warm crusty bread is my go to for soaking up all the extra cheese sauce. If you want a kick sprinkle red pepper flakes or hot sauce over the finished dish

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli?

Both fresh and frozen broccoli florets work well. Frozen can be added directly, while fresh may cook slightly faster.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

Check that drumsticks reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced.

→ Can I substitute another cut of chicken?

Bone-in thighs can be used, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure thorough doneness.

→ What type of pan should I use?

A cast iron skillet or any large oven-safe pan allows for searing on the stovetop and baking in the oven.

→ How can I add more flavor?

Boost spice levels with extra paprika or add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs for brightness at the end.

→ Do I need to cover the pan while baking?

No, leave the pan uncovered so liquid evaporates and the chicken skin crisps during baking.

One Pan Chicken Drumsticks Broccoli

Golden chicken drumsticks with broccoli and cheese rice, all made in one pan for easy, comforting weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
45 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
55 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: One-Pot Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions (One pan with 6 drumsticks and rice)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Poultry

01 6 chicken drumsticks

→ Rice and Seasoning

02 2 boxes broccoli and cheddar flavoured rice mix
03 1 teaspoon kosher salt
04 1 teaspoon paprika
05 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
07 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
08 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
09 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano

→ Vegetables

10 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

→ Fats and Oils

11 2 tablespoons olive oil
12 2 tablespoons butter

→ Liquids

13 5 cups water

→ Garnish

14 Chopped parsley, optional, for garnish

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 190°C. Assemble and measure all ingredients before starting.

Step 02

In a large bowl, combine chicken drumsticks with kosher salt, paprika, garlic powder, adobo, cumin, thyme, oregano, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix to fully coat each piece, ensuring seasoning under the skin as well.

Step 03

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until skin is golden brown. Transfer drumsticks to a plate and set aside.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the broccoli and cheddar rice mix contents. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring to coat the grains.

Step 05

Pour in 5 cups water and add the cheese seasoning from the rice mixes. Stir until fully combined and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 06

Distribute broccoli florets evenly over the rice. Arrange seared drumsticks on top of the broccoli and rice mixture.

Step 07

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C and rice has absorbed all liquid.

Step 08

Remove skillet from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Fluff rice gently with a fork. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Extra Tips

  1. To ensure even cooking, arrange drumsticks in a single layer and check for doneness with a thermometer.

Tools Required

  • Oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Fork

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains milk and gluten from rice mix and butter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 512
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 54 grams
  • Protein Content: 31 grams