This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food! The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, broccoli, and rice, makes for a dish that’s rich and hearty, perfect for family dinners or a cozy meal with loved ones.
The melted cheddar cheese brings everything together, creating a flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which makes cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for a meal prep, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 cup long-grain white rice
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2 1/2 cups chicken broth
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup heavy cream
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened.
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Add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the rice and chicken broth to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
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Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
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Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is creamy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 540 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Casserole
There’s something so comforting about casseroles, and this cheesy chicken and broccoli rice casserole hits all the right notes. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant green broccoli are enveloped in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, making every bite pure comfort. What makes this casserole truly special is the simplicity of its preparation—everything is cooked in one skillet, making it incredibly easy to prepare and clean up afterward. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to serve.
Another reason why this dish is a favorite is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. For example, you can substitute the chicken for rotisserie chicken to save even more time. You can also use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. The recipe is flexible, making it a great choice for busy nights or meal prep.
A Comforting Meal for Any Night of the Week
Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a meal to enjoy on your own, this casserole is an ideal choice. It’s packed with all the essential ingredients for a balanced meal: protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbohydrates from the rice. The cheesy sauce adds richness and flavor, making it not only comforting but also satisfying.
If you’re someone who loves cheese, this casserole will definitely hit the spot. The cheese melts perfectly into the rice and chicken, giving the dish a smooth, creamy texture that’s hard to resist. For extra cheesy goodness, you can even sprinkle some additional cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This one-pot casserole is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t require multiple pots or pans, and it comes together in no time at all. You can prepare this dish in about 30 minutes, so even after a long day at work, you can still enjoy a homemade meal without the hassle. The best part? It’s a filling dish, meaning everyone will leave the table satisfied.
If you need a quick meal to prep in advance, this casserole is perfect. You can make it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and simply reheat it when you’re ready to eat. It’s great for meal prep, too—cook it once and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredient Variations and Substitutes
One of the best things about this casserole is its adaptability. You can easily make substitutions or add extra ingredients depending on your preferences.
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Chicken: While the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can also use chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken. Using rotisserie chicken can speed up the process, as you don’t need to cook the chicken from scratch.
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Rice: The recipe uses long-grain white rice, but you can substitute it with brown rice for a healthier alternative. Just keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You can also opt for instant rice to reduce the cooking time.
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Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best, but if you only have frozen broccoli on hand, that will work too. Just make sure to pat the frozen broccoli dry to avoid excess water in the dish.
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Cheese: The dish uses cheddar cheese for its creamy, tangy flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different taste.
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Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a quick substitute using a combination of butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, and seasonings. Alternatively, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of broccoli soup.
Tips for Success
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Cooking the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the other ingredients. This will ensure it’s tender and juicy when the casserole is ready.
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Don’t Skip the Broiler: For an extra cheesy, crispy topping, be sure to place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two after the cheese has melted. It adds a nice texture and enhances the flavor of the cheese.
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Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole. Mushrooms, peppers, or cauliflower are all great additions that will complement the dish beautifully.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, don’t worry—they’ll keep for several days. Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave, or for a crispy top, bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil, and then uncover it for an additional 5 minutes.
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake it at 350°F for 45 minutes to an hour, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual portions, but the oven method will help maintain the casserole’s texture.
Conclusion
The One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for busy nights. With its cheesy, creamy sauce and hearty combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this dish is a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any time of the week. Plus, with its simple preparation and minimal cleanup, it’s the perfect choice for those who want a homemade dinner without the fuss. Try it tonight and enjoy the deliciousness of this one-pot wonder!