A creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice—all cooked in one pot for an easy weeknight dinner!
Introduction
When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats a hearty one-pot meal that delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease of preparation. Enter the One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole—a classic, beloved dish that’s perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a cozy, fuss-free meal.
This dish combines protein-rich chicken breast, fiber-packed broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. And the best part? Minimal cleanup! The entire meal comes together in just one pot, making it as convenient as it is delicious.
Let’s dive deep into how you can recreate this amazing comfort food in your own kitchen, complete with step-by-step instructions, tips, prep time, calories, and all the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients (US Cup Measures)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per Serving: ~405 kcal
Instructions: How to Prepare the Recipe
1. Sauté Chicken and Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and aromatic.
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Let it cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the chicken turns white on all sides and is no longer pink in the center, about 5 to 6 minutes.
2. Add Rice and Liquids
Once the chicken is mostly cooked through, stir in the uncooked long-grain white rice. Mix well to coat the rice with the flavors already developed in the pan.
Pour in the chicken broth and condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
3. Incorporate Broccoli and Cheese
After 15 minutes, lift the lid and check the rice. It should be nearly cooked at this stage.
Add in the chopped broccoli florets and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together.
Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the cheese has melted into the mixture.
4. Melt Remaining Cheese
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
If you want that classic bubbly, golden cheese crust, place the pan under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Serve
Once the cheese is fully melted, remove the pan from heat. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken and set.
Serve warm. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and enhance flavor by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred and add it when you mix in the broccoli.
- Frozen Broccoli Works Too: If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, try using other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a mix for a unique flavor profile.
- Add a Crunchy Topping: Mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle it on top before broiling. It adds a delightful crunchy contrast.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Use Brown Rice: For a whole-grain option, substitute brown rice—but increase the simmer time to around 35–40 minutes and monitor liquid levels.
- Don’t Skip the Simmer: Letting the rice cook covered helps it absorb all the flavorful liquid, resulting in a creamy texture without being mushy.
- Add More Veggies: Want to up the veggie content? Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach during the broccoli step.
- Make It Ahead: This casserole can be prepped in advance. Assemble everything up to the cheese topping, refrigerate, and bake later.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven. Add a splash of broth or milk to bring back creaminess.
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 405 kcal
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
Conclusion
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the epitome of cozy comfort food. It’s perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table quickly but still want something nutritious and satisfying. With minimal ingredients, one-pot convenience, and family-friendly flavors, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your weekly rotation.
You can customize it endlessly with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or proteins, and it stores wonderfully for leftovers. So next time you’re craving something creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting—grab a skillet and whip up this one-pot wonder.
Bon appétit!