Quick One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a delightful one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole can transform weeknight dinners into something magical.

Comfort meets convenience in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying delicious flavors with loved ones.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly over tender chicken and fluffy rice, creating irresistible layers of goodness.

Nutritious broccoli adds a fresh green crunch that balances the rich, hearty ingredients.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a household favorite.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Guide

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Nutritious Comfort Food: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice, this casserole delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nutrition needs.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Fusion: Kids and adults will love the creamy, cheesy texture and mild seasonings that make this dish universally appealing without being too complicated or spicy.
• Quick Cleanup Champion: Using just a single pot means minimal kitchen mess and fast cleaning, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones.

Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Protein that provides a hearty and filling base for the casserole.
• Rice: Starchy grain that creates a comforting and substantial texture.
• Broccoli: Green vegetable that adds nutrition and a fresh, slightly crisp element.
• Cheese: Creamy ingredient that brings rich flavor and a smooth, melted consistency.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a deep, savory flavor profile.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook the rice and infuses additional flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics while creating a smooth base for the casserole.

Stepwise One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

In a spacious pot, melt butter and gently dance chopped onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and golden, releasing their delightful flavors.

Step 2: Brown Protein

Toss in chicken pieces and cook until each side develops a beautiful golden-brown color, sealing in the juicy goodness.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Paprika

Step 4: Simmer and Soften

Cover the pot and let everything simmer gently, allowing the rice to absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.

Step 5: Introduce Green Goodness

During the final 5 minutes of cooking, fold in fresh broccoli florets, letting them steam and become vibrant and crisp-tender.

Step 6: Create Creamy Magic

Remove from heat and stir in a generous handful of shredded cheese, watching it melt into a luxurious, smooth sauce that coats every morsel.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Scoop the steaming, cheesy mixture into bowls and enjoy immediately while it’s hot and irresistibly creamy.

Tips for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Swap regular rice for brown rice to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and selecting reduced-fat cheese options.
• Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals that last up to 3 months.
• Transform this recipe into a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with diced tofu or plant-based protein crumbles.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding smoked paprika or a dash of dried thyme during the seasoning step for extra depth.

Flavor Variations for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth for extra flavor and keep the cheesy, creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Casserole: Swap rice with riced cauliflower, maintain the same cooking method and cheese sauce for a keto-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Dish: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative, coconut milk for creaminess, and keep the original herb seasonings.
• Mediterranean Chicken Rice: Add sun-dried tomatoes, replace regular cheese with feta, incorporate oregano and basil for a Greek-inspired transformation.

Serving Suggestions for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Night Delight: Serve this hearty casserole as the star of a cozy family dinner, perfect for satisfying hungry appetites with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in containers for easy lunch options at work or school, ensuring a delicious and nutritious midday meal that reheats beautifully.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this one-pot wonder to gatherings, where its rich flavors and comforting texture will make you the hero of any community meal or family celebration.
• Leftover Transformation: Turn remaining casserole into stuffed bell peppers by mixing with extra cheese and baking, creating a completely new and exciting second-day meal.

Storage Advice for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping it sealed tightly to preserve flavor and texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Reheat refrigerated casserole by placing in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness, and heating in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, stirring between each interval.
• When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Brown rice requires more liquid and takes longer to cook, so increase the chicken broth and cooking duration by about 15-20 minutes.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole reheats well and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just store in an airtight container and gently reheat in the microwave or oven.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, ensure you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that your seasonings are gluten-free. The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use the right ingredients.

Creamy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and convenience to dinner tables across America. Cheese-laden layers meld with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)
• 2 cups (300 grams) fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup (190 grams) white rice

Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, gently melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions with minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Add diced chicken pieces and cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally until meat turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
3. Pour uncooked rice into the pot, then add chicken broth and sprinkle in dried herbs and seasonings, mixing everything together uniformly.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring once midway to prevent sticking.
5. During the final 5 minutes of cooking, fold in fresh broccoli florets, ensuring they are evenly distributed and will steam perfectly within the rice mixture.
6. Remove the pot from heat and immediately incorporate shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
7. Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving hot directly from the pot.

Notes

• Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and reduce cooking effort.
• For a dairy-free version, replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Enhance protein content by adding diced ham or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg