One Pot Cheesy Dinner

This one-pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole has become my weeknight dinner savior when I need comfort food without the cleanup. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and cheese-covered broccoli creates a meal that satisfies everyone at my table in just 30 minutes.

I first made this dish when my sister dropped by unexpectedly with her hungry children. With just what I had in my pantry, this casserole was born, and now it's requested at every family gathering. The way the cheese bubbles under the broiler never fails to bring everyone to the table.

• Olive oil creates the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle richness
• Onion provides aromatic foundation that builds flavor throughout the dish
• Chicken breasts deliver lean protein that stays tender when cubed small
• Garlic cloves add depth and warmth to the entire casserole
• Uncooked rice absorbs all the flavors as it cooks in the broth
• Cream of chicken soup creates a silky texture without extra work
• Chicken broth infuses the rice with savory flavor as it cooks
• Broccoli florets add color, nutrition and texture that holds up well
• Cheddar cheese creates that irresistible golden top and creamy interior
• Fresh parsley brightens the rich flavors and adds visual appeal

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Sauté the Proteins

Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown slightly and loses its pink color. The chicken pieces should be cut uniformly small to ensure even cooking. Season with salt and pepper, then add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.

Create the Creamy Base

Add uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the skillet. Start with 2 cups of broth and add more if needed until the rice fully cooks. The soup provides creaminess while the broth infuses flavor. Stir thoroughly to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.

Simmer to Perfection

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that the rice is absorbing the liquid properly. The rice should become tender but not mushy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed at this point.

Add Vegetables and Cheese

Gently fold in the broccoli florets and half the cheese. Continue cooking for 2 more minutes until the broccoli softens slightly but retains some texture and vibrant color. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Broil and Finish

Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and develops golden brown spots. This creates that irresistible cheesy crust that makes the dish so satisfying. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.

The cream of chicken soup is truly the secret weapon in this recipe. My grandmother always said a good casserole needs that silky binding ingredient, and she was right. When I make this for new parents or friends going through tough times, the way their eyes light up at that first cheesy bite reminds me why simple food made with care matters so much.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because you can prep it in advance. Complete the recipe through adding the rice and liquids, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply continue with the remaining steps. The rice will absorb some liquid while refrigerated, so you might need to add an extra splash of broth before heating. I often prep this on Sunday afternoon while listening to music, making my Monday dinner almost effortless.

Rice Varieties and Cooking Tips

The type of rice you choose dramatically affects the final texture of this casserole. I recommend using long-grain rice like Basmati or Jasmine for the best results. These varieties maintain their structure during cooking, creating a perfect casserole texture. Short-grain rice tends to become too creamy and can make the dish mushy. If using brown rice, plan to add about 10 minutes to the cooking time and approximately ½ cup more broth since brown rice requires more liquid and time to become tender. For those truly pressed for time, quick-cooking rice works well but reduce the broth by about ¼ cup.

Vegetable Variations

While broccoli is the classic choice for this casserole, the recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute that maintains a similar texture to broccoli. Diced bell peppers add sweet flavor and bright color. Mushrooms create an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Frozen vegetable medleys work wonderfully when fresh options are limited just be sure to thaw and pat dry before adding to prevent excess water. My family particularly loves when I add a handful of baby spinach in the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition that wilts perfectly into the creamy mixture.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to pat it dry first to remove excess moisture. Add it at the same point in the cooking process as fresh broccoli, but it may need slightly less cooking time since it's already partially cooked.

→ What type of rice works best for this dish?

Long grain rice like Basmati is recommended as it maintains better texture in the finished dish. Short grain rice will result in a creamier consistency. Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and potentially more liquid.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep this the night before through step 2 (cooking onion, chicken, garlic and adding rice and liquids). Cover the skillet and refrigerate overnight, then continue with the remaining steps when ready to serve.

→ What other vegetables can I add to this dish?

This versatile dish works well with additional vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, cauliflower, peas, or carrots. Add firmer vegetables earlier in the cooking process and more delicate ones when you add the broccoli.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a small splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

→ Can I make this dish without cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade alternative made from chicken broth thickened with flour or cornstarch, mixed with a bit of cream or milk. You may need to adjust seasonings accordingly.