One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal that requires minimal cleanup? This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is just the recipe you need! It’s a perfect combination of juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese all cooked in one pot, making it ideal for busy weeknights. This dish is sure to become a family favorite, offering a balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and carbs in every bite.

What is One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, homestyle casserole made with chicken, rice, broccoli, and plenty of cheese. Everything is cooked together in one pot, which makes it both convenient and easy to clean up afterward. The chicken is browned and simmered with the rice, absorbing all the delicious flavors, and then broccoli and cheese are added toward the end for a creamy, savory finish. This dish is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a simple yet satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients List for One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cheesy, delicious casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1 lb (about 4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra cheesiness
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
• ½ cup chopped carrots for added color and nutrients

Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to adapt this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or to suit your dietary preferences:

• Brown rice: If you prefer, you can substitute white rice with brown rice. However, brown rice takes longer to cook, so you’ll need to increase the liquid and cooking time.
• Chicken thighs: For a juicier version, you can replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs. They may require a bit more cooking time, but they add great flavor.
• Cauliflower rice: To reduce carbs, you can substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice. If you do this, reduce the cooking time since cauliflower rice cooks faster.
• Vegan option: To make this recipe vegan, replace the chicken with tofu, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how you can make this delicious casserole in just one pot:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, and cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. If you're using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets. If using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large, deep skillet or pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes, until browned on all sides, but not fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1 minute until fragrant. This will create a flavorful base for the casserole.

Step 4: Add the Rice and Liquid

Add the uncooked rice to the pot with the onions and garlic, stirring for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice. This helps enhance the flavor. Then, pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Simmer

Bring the liquid to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is mostly cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.

Step 6: Add the Broccoli and Chicken

Once the rice is nearly cooked, stir in the seared chicken and broccoli florets. If you’re using fresh broccoli, it will steam to perfection with the remaining cooking time. For frozen broccoli, simply stir it into the rice to thaw and heat through. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

When the rice, chicken, and broccoli are fully cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining ½ cup for topping. Stir until the cheese is melted and creamy.

Step 8: Serve

Once everything is well-mixed and cheesy, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if you like. Serve immediately while it's warm and gooey.

How to Cook One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the ingredients: Chop the chicken, onions, garlic, and broccoli.
2. Sear the chicken: Brown the cubed chicken in olive oil and set it aside.
3. Sauté the onions and garlic: Cook until softened and fragrant.
4. Add the rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, then add chicken broth and milk.
5. Simmer the rice: Cover and simmer until the rice is mostly cooked.
6. Add the chicken and broccoli: Stir them in and cook for 5-7 more minutes.
7. Add the cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
8. Serve: Sprinkle more cheese on top and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Searing the chicken first is important, but avoid fully cooking it at this stage. It will finish cooking with the rice, so overcooking it early on can make it dry.
• Not covering the pot: Make sure to cover the pot while the rice simmers. This traps the steam and ensures that the rice cooks evenly.
• Adding the broccoli too early: Adding broccoli too early can lead to mushy vegetables. Wait until the last 5-7 minutes to keep it bright and crisp.
• Using too little liquid: Make sure to add enough liquid to cook the rice properly. If the rice starts to dry out, you can always add a little more broth.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key to making this one-pot dish look just as good as it tastes. Here are a few tips for serving:

1. Sprinkle fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives on top can add a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve with a side salad: Pair the casserole with a light side salad for a balanced meal.
3. Add some crunch: Top the casserole with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving to add a crunchy texture.

How to Serve One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole straight from the pot for an easy, family-style meal. Scoop generous portions onto plates, making sure each serving has a good amount of chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese. This dish is perfect on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

Presentation Ideas for One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Family-style serving: Leave the casserole in the pot and let everyone help themselves.
• Individual portions: For a more refined presentation, serve individual portions on plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
• Baked finish: For a golden, bubbly top, you can transfer the casserole to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes.

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Add a crunchy topping: For extra texture, top the casserole with crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even fried onions before serving.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make it creamier: For an even creamier casserole, stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end.
• Meal prep: This dish reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works great. There’s no need to thaw it—just add it in during the last few minutes of cooking.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. Be sure to adjust accordingly.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the casserole up to a day ahead and reheat it before serving. Keep it covered in the fridge and reheat it gently in the oven or on the stove.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to keep it moist.

5. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the oven.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the goodness of tender chicken, cheesy rice, and healthy broccoli in a single, easy-to-make dish. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, and the best part is that there’s only one pot to clean afterward! Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or prepping it for later in the week, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

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