Name: One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice; 3 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk or cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp butter or olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

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One pot chicken broccoli rice casserole is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, all while being made in a single pot. I love how tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli come together in a rich sauce, making it the perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy this dish because it’s hearty yet simple. I like that it uses everyday ingredients and doesn’t require juggling multiple pans. The flavors of chicken, broccoli, and cheese are classic, and the fact that everything cooks together makes it both easy and delicious. It’s the kind of meal I make when I want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
long-grain white rice
fresh broccoli florets
onion
garlic
chicken broth
milk or cream
shredded cheddar cheese
butter or olive oil
salt and black pepper
paprika (optional)

Directions

I heat butter or oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
I add diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
I stir in bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until lightly browned.
I add the rice and stir to coat it in the flavors.
I pour in chicken broth and milk, bring it to a simmer, then cover and cook on low until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 18–20 minutes.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, I stir in the broccoli florets so they steam until tender but still bright green.
I remove the pot from the heat, stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted, and let it sit covered for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and 25–30 minutes to cook, so in under 40 minutes, I can serve a full meal.

Variations

Sometimes I use brown rice instead of white rice, but I adjust the cooking time and liquid. I also like to swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor. For added creaminess, I stir in a spoonful of cream cheese before serving. If I want extra veggies, I toss in carrots or peas along with the broccoli.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a covered skillet with a splash of broth to keep it creamy. I can also freeze the casserole in portions for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, I often use frozen broccoli. I add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just like fresh, but I don’t thaw it first.

What type of chicken works best?

I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts also work well.

Can I make this casserole with pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I stir in cooked, shredded chicken right before the rice is finished cooking, just to heat it through.

Why is my rice mushy?

Mushy rice usually means too much liquid or overcooking. I make sure to measure the liquid carefully and check the rice around the 18-minute mark.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I use dairy-free milk and cheese alternatives, and the dish still turns out creamy and flavorful.

Conclusion

I find one pot chicken broccoli rice casserole to be one of the easiest and most comforting meals I can make. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of hearty ingredients, all cooked together in a single pot. Whether I serve it for a quick family dinner or make extra for meal prep, it’s a dish that never disappoints.