Quick & Juicy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
One-pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole represents the ultimate weeknight dinner solution for families craving hearty, satisfying meals.
Combining protein, vegetables, and grains into a single stunning skillet creates magic that elevates ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.
The harmonious blend of tender proteins, crisp vegetables, and creamy textures makes this dish irresistibly comforting.
Home cooks appreciate how quickly everything melds together without complicated preparation or multiple dirty dishes.
Nutritious and filling, this casserole delivers robust flavors that appeal to both adults and children simultaneously.
Balanced ingredients ensure a complete meal that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Grab your favorite skillet and prepare to revolutionize dinner with minimal effort.
How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice All in One Pot
Step 1: Sauté Onions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Cook Chicken
Season cubed chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Cook in the skillet for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns white and lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Toast Rice and Garlic
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add uncooked rice and stir to coat with flavors. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes.
Step 4: Create Liquid Base
Pour in:Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cheese
Stir in broccoli florets and mix well. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes until broccoli is tender and cheese melts.
Step 6: Optional Crispy Topping
Broil on high for 2-3 minutes until top turns golden brown. Remove from oven and let casserole rest briefly.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve hot alongside a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
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Ingredients for a Cheesy One Pot Chicken Casserole
Protein and Poultry:Vegetables and Aromatics:Dairy and Soup Base:Grains and Liquids: Print
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Comforting One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole blends creamy textures with savory chicken and tender broccoli. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a simple yet satisfying meal that will quickly become a family favorite for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
Grains and Base:
- 0.25 cup rice (uncooked)
- 10 ounces (284 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.25 teaspoon salt (for seasoning chicken)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Warm the extra virgin olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat (around 375°F/190°C). Sauté the diced onions for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
- Season the cubed chicken breast pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, ensuring each piece turns opaque white and develops a light golden exterior. Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for approximately 30 seconds until its fragrance permeates the kitchen. Add the uncooked long-grain white rice, stirring thoroughly to coat each grain with the existing flavors. Gently toast the rice for 1-2 minutes to enhance its nutty undertones.
- Carefully pour the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk the liquid components together until fully incorporated. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the grains become tender and absorb most of the liquid.
- Incorporate the fresh broccoli florets into the rice mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, creating an even layer. Cover and let the casserole rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing the broccoli to steam and the cheese to melt completely.
- For an optional crispy finish, activate the broiler on high setting. Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden-brown top without burning.
- Remove the casserole from heat and let it rest briefly. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor. Serve immediately alongside a crisp green salad, warm garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
- Discover a comforting one-pot meal that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy delight.
- Perfectly cooked chicken and tender broccoli nestle into fluffy rice, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner.
- Minimal cleanup thanks to the single-skillet cooking method, making this recipe a weeknight lifesaver.
- Customize your casserole by swapping cheddar for monterey jack or adding rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even more flavorful the next day, so make extra for quick lunches.
- Freezer-friendly option: Prepare the entire dish, cool completely, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Julian Park
Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer
Expertise
Education
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA
Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity.
His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.