One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that comes together fast and only needs one pot, you’re going to love this One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish balances tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice all in one pan—making weeknight cooking feel like a breeze but with a homemade, satisfying finish. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so you nail it every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here works together to create that creamy, cheesy casserole magic without relying on canned soups or shortcuts. You don’t need fancy products—just fresh basics and pantry staples. When you shop, look for fresh broccoli with vibrant green florets and boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy prep.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly and don’t dry out.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Divided for browning chicken and sautéing onions—adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and fragrance; diced small so it blends seamlessly.
• Garlic: Fresh is best—minced finely to spread that savory aroma throughout the casserole.
• Long Grain Rice (uncooked): Don’t rinse it! Keeping the starch helps make the casserole nicely creamy.
• Milk (any variety): Whole milk or 2% works best for a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.
• Chicken Broth: Adds savory depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought work well.
• Sea Salt: Balances flavors perfectly—don’t skip this one!
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground to bring a gentle peppery kick.
• Fresh Broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly with the rice and chicken.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I like sharp cheddar for extra punch, but mild cheddar works beautifully too.
• Fresh Parsley: For a pop of color and fresh herb flavor right before serving.

Variations

I love making this One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe just as it is, but feel free to put your own spin on it! The recipe is forgiving, so swapping ingredients or adding extras is easy and fun.

• Add Mushrooms or Bell Peppers: I once tossed in sliced mushrooms and diced red bell peppers for a richer veggie combo; it was a hit at dinner!
• Swap Out the Cheese: Try mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor and melt experience.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk like almond or oat, and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika if you want a little more warmth.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juiciness

Start by seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until nicely browned but not fully cooked through. This browning step is key—I discovered it adds such a beautiful flavor crust and keeps the chicken moist even after simmering with the rice.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic for Flavor Foundation

Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside. Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss in the diced onions. Cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant. This little step builds a flavor base that carries through the whole casserole.

Step 3: Add Rice, Liquids, and Broccoli

Pour in the uncooked rice and stir well so the grains get coated in oil and onion goodness. Then, gently nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the pan. Add the milk, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Finally, scatter the chopped broccoli evenly over the top. It’s okay if some pieces touch the liquid; they’ll steam right into tenderness.

Step 4: Simmer & Let the Magic Happen

Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to low, cover the pan tightly, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Resist the urge to peek too often—the steam needs to stay trapped so the rice cooks perfectly and the chicken finishes gently. When the timer’s up, check the rice—it should be tender and creamy, and the chicken cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Cheddar and Parsley

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly throughout the casserole. Pop the lid back on just long enough for the cheese to melt (about 2-3 minutes). A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a fresh pop of color. Done! You’ll find the creamy texture and cheesy goodness irresistible.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for that vibrant green touch and a little extra zest. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil just before serving—simple but makes it feel special.

Side Dishes

This casserole feels like a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, I suggest something crisp and fresh like a simple green salad or roasted cherry tomatoes to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in little individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and fresh herbs—makes it feel fancy but super approachable. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The casserole thickens as it cools, but that makes it easier to portion out for lunches.

Freezing

Freezing works great if you want to save a batch. Just cool completely, portion into freezer-friendly containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the rice and keep it creamy—microwaving works too but be sure to cover the dish to trap steam.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it feels both comforting and wholesome without any fuss. I love that it nurtures my family with simple ingredients and minimal kitchen cleanup. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how straightforward it is to prepare and how much everyone will ask for seconds. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become one of those go-to meals you rely on again and again.

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