This amazing One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in just one pot, making it a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Not only is it super comforting, but you can easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to get rid of leftovers!
Ingredient Breakdown
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to whip up this casserole. Each ingredient is chosen with love and hey, there are some easy swaps if you need them!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the best part, you’re just steps away from enjoying this comforting dish that’s going to be loved by everyone around your table.
Sauté the broccoli (about 3–5 minutes): In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, toss in your broccoli florets. You want to sauté them until they’re tender and bright green, the smell is going to be amazing! Just a couple minutes, don’t overcook ’em, we still want some crunch.
Add the rice and broth (about 1 minute): Now, stir in your rice, 3 cups of chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Bring all that to a nice boil, oh, the aromas in your kitchen just keep getting better!
Simmer it down (15–20 minutes): Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. You’re looking for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking and scrape the yummy bits off the bottom.
Stir in chicken and milk (about 2–3 minutes): When the rice is cooked, toss in your shredded chicken and the milk. Stir everything together until well combined, your kitchen is going to smell so good!
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese (1 minute): Off the heat, we’re going to fold in that cheesy goodness! Stir in the shredded cheddar until it’s melted and creamy. Seriously, look at all that gooey, delicious cheese. How can you resist?
Serve hot and enjoy! And there you have it, your one pot cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole! Scoop some into a bowl and dig in while it’s still warm. I usually top it off with some extra cheese.
Personal Connection
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is my go-to recipe when I’m looking for that warm, comforting meal without the fuss. Honestly, it feels like a big hug from my kitchen! I’m a real sucker for quick dinners that make my family happy, and this dish always hits the spot. The best part is that you can adapt it with whatever you have lying around!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Hungarian Mushroom Paprikash, my Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli, or my Blue Ribbon Chicken!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole comes together in under 30 minutes! It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to sit down with your family without spending all evening in the kitchen.
One Pot
With everything done in a single pot, your cleanup is minimal. Trust me, fewer dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy dinner time!
Comfort Food
Nothing screams comfort like a cheesy casserole. This dish is loaded with tons of flavor and creamy goodness that feels like a warm embrace, it’s exactly what your evenings need!
Customizable
One of the best parts about this recipe honestly, let’s be real, you can make it your own! Use whatever veggies or proteins you have on hand. Leftover Brussels sprouts? Toss ’em in! Not a fan of broccoli? No problem! Swap in peas or green beans instead.
Crowd-Pleaser
You can’t go wrong with this dish, trust me. It’s a surefire hit with the kids and adults alike. The flavors meld together so beautifully that even picky eaters will thank you!
Serving & Storage Tips
How to Serve This
I like to serve this casserole as is, but it pairs wonderfully with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up those creamy flavors! Sometimes I even sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, because, honestly, who could say no to more cheese?
Storage
This casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheat in the microwave until warm (about 2–3 minutes). If you want to crisp up the top, feel free to transfer it to the oven for about 10 minutes at 350°F.
Freezer-Friendly
Yes, this casserole can be frozen! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as directed above!
So there you go! My One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is absolutely perfect for busy weeknights, and I know your family is going to love it just as much as mine does. Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the broccoli florets and sauté until tender and bright green, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15–20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- When the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken and milk until well combined.
- Remove from heat and fold in the shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, optionally topped with extra cheese.