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If you’re on the hunt for a hearty, comforting, and incredibly easy dinner, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect go-to. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this one-skillet wonder is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli. It’s the ideal weeknight meal that pleases both kids and adults alike — all with minimal cleanup!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
This dish combines everything you love about comfort food: juicy chicken, tender rice, melted cheddar, and nutritious broccoli, all held together in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s:
Made in One Pan — fewer dishes, more flavor!
Customizable — great for using up leftover veggies or cooked chicken.
Kid-Friendly — the cheesy flavor is irresistible.
Freezer-Friendly — make ahead and freeze for busy nights.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this cheesy comfort meal together:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup uncooked white rice
1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Chicken
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink inside.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes aromatic. This gives the dish a boost of flavor from the very beginning.
Step 3: Stir in Rice, Soup, and Broth
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, followed by the cream of chicken soup and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer Until Rice Is Tender
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. If the mixture looks too dry before the rice is done, add a little more broth.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Cheese
Once the rice is almost fully cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, just until the broccoli starts to soften and the cheese melts into the mix.
Step 6: Broil to Finish
Evenly scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
Use Long Grain Rice: Short-grain rice can become too mushy in casseroles.
Swap the Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for even quicker prep.
Make it Creamier: Stir in a few spoonfuls of sour cream or cream cheese before adding the broccoli.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs on top before broiling for extra texture.
Storage & Reheating
This dish stores beautifully and is just as delicious the next day.
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Let leftovers cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Store in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheat: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth to help restore the creamy texture if needed.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use cream of mushroom soup.
Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle in red pepper flakes.
Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice (adjust cooking time accordingly).
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is everything you need in a weeknight meal — fast, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a satisfying meal with leftovers for lunch, this dish checks all the boxes. It’s cozy comfort food that comes together with minimal effort and maximum taste.
So grab your skillet and make dinner a one-pan breeze tonight!
More Recipes:
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus extra if needed)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink inside.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until it becomes aromatic. This gives the dish a boost of flavor from the very beginning.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet, followed by the cream of chicken soup and 2 cups of chicken broth. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The rice should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. If the mixture looks too dry before the rice is done, add a little more broth.
- Once the rice is almost fully cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook uncovered for another 2–3 minutes, just until the broccoli starts to soften and the cheese melts into the mix.
- Evenly scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Place the skillet under a broiler for 2–3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Norma Parker is a recipe creator at Nomqom.com. She shares simple, tasty, and easy home-cooking ideas for everyday meals. Her goal is to help home cooks make delicious food with confidence.