Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
(One-Pot 30-Minute Dinner)
Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s as easy as it is delicious? This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole checks all the boxes creamy, cheesy, hearty, and ready in just 30 minutes! Made with simple ingredients you already have, it’s a one-pot dinner that saves time and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or whenever you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal, this casserole will quickly become a recipe you’ll want on repeat.
For the Casserole
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless, diced – hearty and protein-rich.
- Onion: Chopped – adds savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced – brings a warm, aromatic base.
- Rice: Uncooked long-grain – soaks up all the flavor as it cooks.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Makes it creamy and comforting.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium – for depth and to cook the rice.
- Broccoli Florets: Fresh – adds texture, color, and nutrients.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded – for that melty, cheesy topping.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped – for a bright, fresh finish.
One-Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole is creamy, comforting, and made in one pan—perfect for busy nights and hungry families!
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: One-Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
Prep Time: 10minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20minutes minutes
Total Time: 30minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this dish are easy to find and likely already in your pantry or fridge.
For the casserole:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, cut into small cubes
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice (like jasmine or basmati)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (add more as needed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or thawed from frozen
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For seasoning:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Tip: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, or swap in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier casserole.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole
1. Cook the Chicken and Onion
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken and chopped onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. This adds depth and aroma to the dish.
3. Stir in Rice and Liquids
Add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender. Add more broth if needed during cooking to keep the rice creamy.
5. Add Broccoli and Cheese
Once the rice is almost cooked, stir in the broccoli and half of the shredded cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to soften the broccoli slightly.
6. Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and cover for a minute or two until it melts. Or, place under the broiler for a golden bubbly finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. It’s cheesy, comforting, and perfect for family dinners.
Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions
- Make-ahead: Prep the casserole through Step 3, then refrigerate. When ready, bring to room temp and continue cooking.
- Store leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist and creamy.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 298 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 27 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 631 mg |
| Potassium | 397 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Vitamin A | 532 IU |
| Vitamin C | 30 mg |
| Calcium | 173 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
Recipe Tips & Customizations
Use rotisserie chicken – A great shortcut! Just stir it in with the rice and soup.
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Mix up the cheese – Try Pepper Jack for heat or Gruyère for richness.
Add more veggies – Mushrooms, diced carrots, bell peppers, or peas work great.
Make it creamy without soup – Use a homemade roux or substitute with sour cream and extra broth.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice takes longer to cook—about 35–40 minutes. You’ll also need to add more broth (½–1 cup extra). Keep it covered and check for doneness.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the pan to avoid extra moisture.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes! Replace the chicken with chickpeas, white beans, or tofu. Use vegetable broth and a plant-based cream soup for a full vegetarian version.
Can I make this in the oven?
You can! After Step 3, transfer everything to a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes. Then add broccoli and cheese, bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out the plate, serve it with:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed green beans or roasted carrots
- A light fruit salad for dessert
It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something filling without a lot of effort.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole is the kind of meal you’ll make on repeat. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so simple that even beginner cooks will feel like pros. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more time to relax.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just want a fast, hearty dinner that makes everyone happy, this cheesy chicken casserole delivers every time.
