The Ultimate One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Busy families deserve simple yet delicious meals that satisfy everyone’s hunger.

Weeknight cooking can feel like a challenge when time is limited.

Combining protein, vegetables, and creamy cheese creates a balanced dish packed with flavor.

Minimal cleanup makes this recipe a game-changer for home cooks seeking convenience.

You’ll appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in a single pan.

This hearty meal promises to become a household favorite that sparks smiles around the table.

What Makes One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole a Winner

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pot wonder saves you precious time and minimizes kitchen cleanup, making it a go-to meal for busy families.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli, this casserole delivers a satisfying blend of flavors that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, add different vegetables, or experiment with cheese varieties to make this recipe uniquely yours and keep mealtime exciting.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed broccoli, and hearty rice for a balanced meal that nourishes and delights taste buds.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and savory notes to the dish.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture to the casserole.

• Rice: Hearty grain that serves as the main carbohydrate and creates a comforting base.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and enhances overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• Cheese: Creamy ingredient that melts and creates a luxurious, gooey texture.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce for the casserole.

How to Cook One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt butter. Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and become soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add chicken pieces to the skillet, sprinkling with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and develops a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 3: Introduce Rice and Broth

Pour in uncooked rice and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the rice to start absorbing the flavorful liquid.

Step 4: Welcome the Broccoli

Fold in fresh broccoli florets, making sure they’re nestled into the rice. Cover the skillet and let everything cook together until the rice becomes tender and the broccoli is bright green and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Create Creamy Cheesy Magic

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk

Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and luxurious sauce that coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the creamy casserole into bowls.

For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that's equally delicious and protein-packed.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutty flavor, adjusting liquid and cooking time accordingly.
• Freeze leftovers in individual portions for quick, hearty meals during busy weeknights.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to boost the flavor profile and add a subtle kick.
• Choose low-fat cheese and milk to create a lighter, healthier variation without compromising taste.

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth for a complete meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly approach.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitute, and coconut milk to maintain creamy texture while eliminating dairy products.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Comfort Dinner Delight: Serve this casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad on the side for added freshness and nutrition.
• Family-Style Gathering: Present the dish in a large, rustic serving dish at the center of the table, allowing everyone to scoop their own portion and enjoy family-style.
• Meal Prep Magic: Divide leftovers into individual containers for quick lunch options during the week, which reheat beautifully and provide a satisfying midday meal.
• Gourmet Twist: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before serving to add a delightful crunch and extra texture to the creamy casserole.

Best Way to Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer the casserole to a shallow, wide container to help it cool faster and prevent bacterial growth.
• Avoid leaving the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

FAQs

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth and cheese labels to confirm.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just add frozen broccoli directly to the pot and adjust cooking time slightly, as it will release more moisture.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is recommended for its strong flavor, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for variety.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or increasing the amount of chicken to boost protein content.

Creamy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole delivers comfort food magic from kitchen to table. Quick weeknight meal satisfies hunger while creating memorable family moments you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic

Grains, Dairy, and Seasonings:

• 1 cup rice
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat, gently sautéing diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant.
2. Add cubed chicken pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and no longer pink in the center.
3. Pour in uncooked rice and chicken broth, stirring to combine, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Layer chopped broccoli florets on top of the rice mixture, cover the skillet, and reduce heat to low, allowing everything to cook for approximately 15-18 minutes until rice becomes tender and absorbs the liquid.
5. Remove lid and sprinkle shredded cheese and milk over the casserole, stirring gently to create a creamy, cohesive texture as the cheese melts completely.
6. Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Garnish with additional cheese if desired and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Check broccoli tenderness to prevent overcooking, which can make it mushy and lose nutritional value.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a more nutritious and fiber-rich alternative that adds nutty flavor.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Consider lactose-free cheese and milk options for a dairy-sensitive diet, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg