Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a fantastic meal for busy days. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese all in one dish. Not only is it easy to make, but it also saves you time on cleaning up. This comforting casserole is perfect for the whole family and can be a great way to use up leftover chicken or veggies.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup rice (uncooked)
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Directions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and is no longer pink.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you smell its aroma.
- Next, add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Bring the mix to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the rice is fully cooked (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Taste the dish for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
- Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheese. Cook for 2 more minutes until the broccoli softens.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This casserole is best served warm. You can dish it out straight from the skillet. It pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
How to Store One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish can last up to three days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or carrots, for added nutrition.
- If you want extra flavor, you can use garlic powder or onion powder along with the fresh garlic and onion.
- You can use brown rice for a healthier option, but remember it may require more cooking time.
Variation
You can switch out the cheddar cheese for other types, like mozzarella or pepper jack, depending on your taste preference. Additionally, you can use cooked rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Store it covered in the fridge and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
2. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing in an airtight container.
3. What can I serve with this casserole?
It goes well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- 2 pieces chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup rice (uncooked)
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and is no longer pink.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you smell its aroma.
- Add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Bring the mix to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let it cook until the rice is fully cooked (about 15 minutes). Stir occasionally.
- Taste the dish for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
Cooking
- Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheese. Cook for 2 more minutes until the broccoli softens.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and place the skillet under the broiler until the cheese melts and starts to brown.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.