Name: One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes); 1 small onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¾ cup rice (uncooked); 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

There's something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together effortlessly, filling your kitchen with comforting aromas and your table with cheesy goodness. This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly that kind of dish—rich, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients, all cooked in one pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup.

The image shows a cooked dish in a metal pan with a creamy, cheesy texture mixed with small bright green broccoli florets. The dish has a thick layer of melted yellow and white cheese on top with bits of chopped green herbs scattered across. There are chunks of light-colored soft pieces mixed evenly with small rice grains beneath the cheese layer. A shiny silver spoon is scooping a portion of the dish, showing the mix of creamy sauce, cheese, broccoli, and rice inside. The background is a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this recipe has been a game-changer for busy weeknights when I want something that's both hearty and easy. The combo of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese hits every comfort food note without complicated prep.

Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Everything cooks together in one pan, saving you time and dishwashing.
Balanced Comfort: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in a creamy, cheesy package that’s super satisfying.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable Flavor: Easily swap ingredients or add spices to suit your taste buds.

A close-up view of a black pan filled with a creamy cheesy dish that has three visible layers: a base of light yellow melted cheese mixed with white rice, bright green broccoli florets scattered throughout the dish, and small pieces of light beige chicken. A silver spoon holds a scoop of the dish above the pan, showing the thick cheese melting and stretching as it lifts, with bits of broccoli and rice clearly visible. The scene is set against a white marbled texture surface that adds a clean, fresh backdrop to the rich colors of the food, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend beautifully. The creamy soup and cheese create a luscious sauce while the chicken and broccoli add texture and nutrition. Here’s why each ingredient plays a starring role:

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a whole small yellow onion beside a pile of roughly chopped onion pieces, two whole raw chicken breasts with smooth pink skin, a neat pinch of coarse sea salt, a small heap of coarse black peppercorns, four whole garlic cloves with papery skins unbroken, a small white ceramic bowl filled with uncooked white rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy off-white chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of clear golden chicken broth, a cluster of fresh green broccoli florets, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base to sauté the onion and chicken without overpowering flavors.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t rush this step.
Chicken breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and lean protein.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out each flavor.
Garlic: A small amount goes a long way in adding warmth and aroma.
Rice: The heart of the dish, soaking up all the savory broth and cheese.
Cream of chicken soup: The secret to that luscious creamy texture without extra fuss.
Chicken broth: Keeps the rice moist and infuses extra chicken flavor.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and a fresh, vibrant contrast.
Cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly creating that irresistible cheesy topping.
Fresh parsley: A bright herb that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep this casserole pretty classic, but it’s easy to switch things up. You can tweak the cheese blend or swap broccoli for other veggies based on the season or whatever’s in your fridge.

Variation: I once stirred in some sun-dried tomatoes and swapped cheddar for mozzarella, giving the casserole a bit of an Italian twist — absolutely loved how fresh and gooey it turned out!
Dietary swaps: For a lighter take, try using cauliflower rice or brown rice, but keep in mind cooking times may vary a bit.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a little cayenne pepper gives it a nice subtle heat that wakes up the flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Chicken to Perfection

Start with heating olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet. Toss in the chopped onion and cubed chicken, cooking over medium heat. This part smells incredible as the chicken begins to brown and the onions soften—usually about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while it cooks, then add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until it releases that amazing garlicky aroma. Keep an eye here; you don’t want the garlic to burn or it turns bitter.

Step 2: Add Rice, Soup, and Broth for Rich Flavor

Next, stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. I usually start with 2 cups of broth and watch the texture as it cooks, adding a touch more if needed. The rice needs to absorb enough liquid but not get soggy.

Step 3: Simmer Until the Rice is Tender

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check if the rice is tender. This step is key—too much heat or not enough liquid can lead to crunchy rice, so it’s worth adjusting the broth gradually. Taste and adjust salt and pepper here.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese for the Final Touch

Once the rice is cooked, fold in the broccoli and half of the shredded cheddar. Cover again and cook another 2 minutes allowing the broccoli to soften just a bit but still keep some bite. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden brown with slightly crispy edges. This step always feels like magic to me—the cheese browns just right, adding that irresistible texture and flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Warm

Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bright, fresh pop. Serve it straight from the skillet while it's warm, and enjoy the cozy, creamy goodness.

Top Tip

From many trials in my own kitchen, here are a few things that really make this One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe shine and help avoid common pitfalls.

Don’t Rush the Chicken Sauté: Taking the time to brown the chicken properly adds flavor layers you don’t want to miss.
Watch Liquid Levels Closely: Since rice absorbs liquid differently depending on brand and freshness, start with the recommended amount then add as needed while cooking.
Broil Last for That Perfect Crust: The broiler step isn’t just for looks—the slightly browned cheese adds texture that makes this casserole feel extra special.
Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: Adding it late prevents it from becoming mushy but still lets it get tender enough to blend with the rice and cheese.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

cheesy chicken broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love fresh parsley on this dish because it adds a pretty green burst and brightens all that cheesy richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar on top or even some red pepper flakes when I want a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty complete on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted carrots for extra veggies. Garlic bread on the side is a hit when we want something a bit more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprig of parsley and a small dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool contrast. It makes it feel special and a bit restaurant-worthy, even on a weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually last 3–4 days. When you reheat, the casserole might thicken a bit, so I add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up while warming gently on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze it before adding the cheese topping and broiling—just thaw in the fridge overnight, then add cheese and broil fresh before serving to keep that crispy top.

Reheating

For reheating, I prefer the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, add a little broth and heat in short bursts to keep the rice from drying.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of rice in this casserole?

Yes! You can substitute white rice with brown rice or even wild rice, but keep in mind the cooking time and liquid amounts will change because these rices take longer to cook and absorb more liquid. Adjust accordingly and be patient while simmering.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

No worries! You can make a quick homemade version by mixing equal parts milk and chicken broth with a little flour to thicken, cooking it gently until creamy. Or swap with cream of mushroom soup for a slightly different flavor.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers and maybe a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to keep it hearty.

How do I avoid mushy broccoli in the casserole?

Add the broccoli toward the end of the cooking time—just enough to soften slightly but still keep a bit of crunch. Overcooking broccoli will make it mushy and dull its bright green color, so timing here is key for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I keep coming back to this One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe not just because it’s easy and comforting, but because it feels like a warm hug on a plate. This dish has saved more than one hectic evening in my house while keeping everyone happy and full. I hope you find it as comforting and reliable as I do — whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a winner every time.