One Pan Chicken Drumsticks Broccoli

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

Pin

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.