If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and fuss-free dinner, this one-pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is the answer. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli—all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Chicken and Rice Recipe
I wanted to share another one of my recipe one-pot recipes with you. It’s a dish that combines rice, chicken, cheese, and broccoli—basically all the essentials you need for a satisfying meal. Trust me, it’s as good as it sounds! This chicken and rice casserole has been a hit ever since I first posted it back in 2015, and it’s still one of the most popular recipes on the blog.
Let’s talk about chicken and rice for a second. Who doesn’t love a comforting chicken and rice dish? The best part about this one is that it’s all made in a single skillet, and it comes together in just 30 minutes. Before you know it, dinner is ready to hit the table.
One of my favourite things about this casserole is the cheese. I like to pop the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two to get that cheese perfectly melted and bubbly. It’s simple, quick, and the ultimate comfort food. You really can’t go wrong with this one!
Why We Love This Recipe
- It’s a Complete Meal in One Pot:
This dish has it all—protein, veggies, and carbs. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli means you don’t need to worry about making sides. It’s a full meal on its own. - Quick and Easy:
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weekend nights. Everything cooks in one pot, so prep and cleanup are a breeze. - Family-Friendly:
Kids and adults alike love this casserole. The cheesy, creamy texture and familiar flavours make it a hit with picky eaters and a go-to for family dinners. - Customisable:
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. Add extra veggies, swap the chicken for another protein, or spice it up with your favourite seasonings. It’s versatile and forgiving. - Comfort Food at Its Best:
There’s something about the combination of chicken, rice, and melted cheese that feels like a warm hug. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with a smile. - Perfect for Leftovers:
This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or lunches the next day. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken: I used boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces. They cook quickly and stay tender, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative if you prefer something a bit juicier.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are my go-to because they add a nice crunch, but frozen broccoli works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Rice: Long-grain rice is what I used here—it cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the flavours beautifully. Medium-grain rice will also work, but if you’re using brown rice, keep in mind it’ll need more broth and a longer cooking time.
Onion and garlic: These are the flavour powerhouses of the dish. Fresh garlic is my favourite, but if you’re in a pinch, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder will do the trick.
Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar cheese is the star here, giving the casserole its irresistible cheesy goodness. Colby or Monterey Jack are great substitutes if you want to mix things up.
Liquids: You’ll need chicken broth and a can of cream of chicken soup to create that creamy, rich base. Don’t have cream of chicken soup? No worries—I’ve included instructions below on how to make your own.
Seasoning: Simple is best here—just salt and pepper to taste. Sometimes, the most basic seasonings let the other flavours shine.
- Cook the chicken:
Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside. - Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Toast the Rice:
Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This step enhances the rice’s flavour and texture. - Add liquids and seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together to combine. - Simmer the rice:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes. - Add Broccoli and Chicken:
Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through. - Make It Cheesy:
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella (if using) until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, all-in-one meal!
cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice such as jasmine or basmati
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half for extra richness
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for a hint of smokiness
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional, for extra gooeyness
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for a flavorful finish
Instructions
Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Toast the Rice:
- Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast it. This step enhances the rice’s flavour and texture.
Add liquids and seasonings:
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together to combine.
Simmer the Rice:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Add Broccoli and Chicken:
- Stir in the broccoli florets and cooked chicken. Cover the pot again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through.
Make It Cheesy:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and the mozzarella (if using) until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, all-in-one meal!
Notes
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
