One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that the whole family will love, this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer! It's a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, the best part? You only need one pot to prepare this meal, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup. Loaded with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy rice, and lots of melted cheese, it’s an all-in-one wonder! Read on to discover the full recipe and cooking tips.

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What is One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish made with simple ingredients. Everything is cooked in a single pot, which means less mess and fewer dishes! It features succulent pieces of chicken, fresh broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a generous amount of cheese to tie it all together. The casserole is perfect for a weeknight meal and can even be made ahead for meal prep. With protein from the chicken, vitamins from the broccoli, and carbs from the rice, this is a well-balanced meal that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients List for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple, yet satisfying dish:

• Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): 2 large breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Rice: 1 cup of uncooked white or brown rice (long-grain rice works best).
• Broccoli Florets: 2 cups of fresh or frozen broccoli, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorite cheeses for extra flavor).
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Chicken Broth: 2 ½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth.
• Milk: 1 cup of whole milk or any type of milk you prefer.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon to sauté the chicken.
• Flour: 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for thickening the casserole.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Paprika: ½ teaspoon, optional, for an extra flavor kick.
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, optional, for a hint of spice.

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins

This recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Consider these optional add-ins:

• Mushrooms: Sliced, for added umami flavor.
• Carrots: Diced, for extra vegetables.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach can be stirred in during the final step for added greens.
• Parmesan Cheese: A handful of grated parmesan for a cheesy crust on top.
• Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon crumbles for extra richness.
• Sour Cream: A dollop mixed in for added creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

There are plenty of ways to adapt this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole to meet your dietary needs or to work with what you already have in your pantry. Here are a few suggestions:

• Chicken Substitutes: Use turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even ground chicken or turkey for a different protein source.
• Rice Substitutes: If you're out of white or brown rice, quinoa or couscous can work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the grain you choose.
• Cheese Substitutes: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese. For a sharper flavor, try a mix of cheddar and Parmesan.
• Broccoli Substitutes: Use cauliflower, green beans, or peas if you're out of broccoli.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour for thickening if you're avoiding gluten.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Chicken

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
• Add the diced chicken pieces to the pot, seasoning them with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Rice and Liquid

• Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic and stir well to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
• Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
• Add the uncooked rice to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Rice and Add Broccoli

• Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
• About 5 minutes before the rice is done, add the broccoli florets to the pot. Cover and continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked and the broccoli is tender.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Chicken

• Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing well until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.
• Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, stirring everything together.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

• Taste the casserole and add more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
• If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes.

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

This recipe is all about layering flavors and textures for maximum deliciousness. From the tender, sautéed chicken to the gooey, cheesy finish, every bite is packed with flavor. Using just one pot not only saves time but also allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, giving you a dish that is as easy to prepare as it is to devour.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken can easily dry out if overcooked. Be sure to remove the chicken as soon as it’s no longer pink, and then reintroduce it later to avoid overcooking.
2. Undercooking the Rice: Make sure you simmer the rice long enough for it to absorb the liquids. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
3. Adding Broccoli Too Soon: If you add the broccoli at the start, it will turn mushy. Add it during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it bright and tender.
4. Not Adjusting Liquid Levels: Depending on the type of rice or add-ins you use, you may need to adjust the broth or milk. The dish should be creamy, not dry or too watery.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole even more appealing. Try these tips:

• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color.
• Add Extra Cheese: Broil the casserole with a bit more cheese on top for a golden-brown, crispy cheese layer.
• Serve in Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins and top with a little extra cheese before serving.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with light sides:

• Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the casserole.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Additional roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts can round out the meal.

Presentation Ideas for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Serve in a colorful casserole dish to make the meal pop.
• For a more rustic feel, serve straight from the pot with ladles for each guest.
• Garnish with a light sprinkle of paprika for a touch of color and added flavor.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze one for later. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• Health Boost: Swap half the rice for quinoa or add extra veggies for a healthier version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice to make this dish low-carb.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to add more broth or liquid.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! Leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken works well. Just skip the sautéing step and add the chicken when combining everything at the end.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Replace the chicken with a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it! A delicious, comforting One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish to impress guests, this casserole is a winner. Try it out tonight, and enjoy a hassle-free, flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup. Happy cooking!

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