Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will require about 10-15 minutes additional cooking time and approximately ½ cup more broth. The nutty flavor works wonderfully with the chicken and broccoli.

What if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?

No problem! Complete all the stovetop steps in your regular skillet, then transfer everything to a greased baking dish before adding the final cheese topping. Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry first to remove excess moisture. Add it at the same point in the recipe, but it may need slightly less time to heat through since it's pre-cooked.

Is there a way to make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Definitely! Make a quick replacement by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour until golden, then gradually adding ¾ cup milk and ¼ cup additional chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of poultry seasoning.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and 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; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup rice (uncooked, long grain recommended); 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups chicken broth, low sodium; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-friendly meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

True One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your evening.
Quick and Satisfying: From start to finish in 30 minutes, this dish delivers incredible flavor in minimal time.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this combination of tender chicken, creamy rice, and melty cheese.
Balanced Meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish means you don’t need to worry about making separate sides.
Versatile: Easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive oil: Used to sauté the chicken and onions, adding a subtle flavor base to the dish.
Onion: Provides a aromatic foundation that flavors the entire dish.
Chicken breasts: The protein star of the show – they stay tender and soak up all those wonderful flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors of all the other ingredients.
Garlic: Adds that unmistakable aromatic punch that makes everything better.
Rice: The uncooked rice absorbs all the flavorful liquids and becomes perfectly tender.
Cream of chicken soup: Creates that creamy, velvety texture that makes this casserole so comforting.
Chicken broth: Adds depth of flavor while providing the necessary liquid to cook the rice properly.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, nutrition, and a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy rice.
Cheddar cheese: Creates that irresistible golden, melty top that everyone fights over.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the finished dish with color and a fresh flavor pop.

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.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Swap the chicken for leftover turkey, cooked ground beef, or even sliced smoked sausage.

Vegetable Mix-ins

Add mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, carrots, or cauliflower alongside or instead of the broccoli.

Cheese Choices

Try pepper jack for a spicy kick, Monterey Jack for extra meltiness, or a combination of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.

Rice Alternatives

Experiment with brown rice (will need more liquid and cooking time), wild rice blend, or even orzo pasta for different textures.

Make It Creamier

Stir in a few tablespoons of sour cream or cream cheese at the end for an even more decadent texture.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onion and chicken cubes, cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken begins to brown and is no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Start with 2 cups of broth, adding more later if needed to fully cook the rice. This is where all the magic happens – the rice will absorb these flavorful liquids and become incredibly tasty.

Step 3: Cook Until Rice is Tender

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Once the rice is tender, add the broccoli florets and half of the cheddar cheese. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes, just until the broccoli begins to soften slightly. You want it to maintain some texture and vibrant color.

Step 5: Broil for a Golden Finish

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it! You’re looking for that perfect golden, bubbly cheese top that makes everyone’s mouth water.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley, which adds a pop of color and freshness. Serve right from the skillet for that rustic, family-style appeal.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Rice Texture: If your rice isn’t fully cooked but the liquid is absorbed, add a splash more broth and continue cooking with the lid on.
Perfectly Cooked Broccoli: Add the broccoli toward the end to keep it bright green and slightly crisp – no one likes mushy broccoli!
Even Cooking: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet for even heat distribution and to prevent burning.
Time-Saving Trick: Use pre-cut chicken and broccoli florets from the grocery store to shave off prep time.
Extra Flavor Boost: Add a teaspoon of Italian seasoning or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken for additional flavor depth.
Broiler Watch: Every broiler is different, so keep a constant eye on the cheese as it browns to prevent burning.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This one-pot meal is complete on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast.

Bread Options

Some crusty artisan bread or garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up any remaining creamy sauce.

For a Lighter Meal

Serve smaller portions alongside a vegetable side like roasted asparagus or a tomato cucumber salad.

Family Style

Bring the whole skillet to the table for a rustic presentation that encourages seconds (which everyone will want!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop overnight, making for a delicious next-day lunch.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through.

Make Ahead Option

Prep this casserole the night before up through adding the rice and liquids. Refrigerate covered, then continue cooking the next day, adding about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will require about 10-15 minutes additional cooking time and approximately ½ cup more broth. The nutty flavor works wonderfully with the chicken and broccoli.
What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?

No problem! Complete all the stovetop steps in your regular skillet, then transfer everything to a greased baking dish before adding the final cheese topping. Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry first to remove excess moisture. Add it at the same point in the recipe, but it may need slightly less time to heat through since it’s pre-cooked.
Is there a way to make this recipe without cream of chicken soup?

Definitely! Make a quick replacement by melting 2 tablespoons butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons flour until golden, then gradually adding ¾ cup milk and ¼ cup additional chicken broth, stirring until thickened. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of poultry seasoning.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is what I call “back pocket cooking” at its finest – simple enough for hectic weeknights but delicious enough that everyone at the table will be impressed. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, nutritious broccoli, and that irresistible cheesy topping creates a meal that satisfies on every level. Give it a try tonight – I guarantee it will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation!