One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A rich, creamy, ultra-comforting dish packed with juicy chicken, tender rice, and melty cheese — perfect for weeknights!

⭐ 

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Casserole Base

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, do not rinse)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Broccoli & Cheese

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 ½ cups frozen)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup cream cheese for extra creaminess
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• A squeeze of lemon at the end
• A handful of crushed Ritz crackers for topping (broiled)

🔥 

Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics & Chicken

1. In a large heavy pot or deep pan, melt butter and olive oil on medium heat.
2. Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the chicken cubes.
   • Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   • Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes).
   • Chicken does not need to be fully cooked — it will finish in the rice.

2. Add Rice & Liquids

1. Add in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the butter and spices for 1 minute.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and milk.
3. Stir well, scraping the bottom so nothing sticks.
4. Bring mixture to a light boil.

3. Simmer the Casserole

1. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes.
2. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
3. After 15 minutes, the rice should be almost cooked and the mixture slightly thick.

4. Add the Broccoli

Choose fresh or frozen:

• Fresh broccoli: Add during the last 8 minutes of cooking.
• Frozen broccoli: Add during the last 5 minutes.

Stir again and cover.

5. Make it Cheesy & Creamy

1. Turn heat to low.
2. Add:
   • Cheddar cheese
   • Mozzarella (optional)
   • Parmesan
   • (Optional) Cream cheese for extra richness
4. Stir until everything melts into a creamy, thick casserole.

6. Optional Oven Finish (For Browned Top)

1. Sprinkle more cheese or crushed crackers on top.
2. Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden.
3. Watch carefully — it browns fast!

🍽️ 

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your casserole with:

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted carrots
• A squeeze of lemon on top to brighten the flavors

❄️ 

Storage

• Fridge: 3–4 days
• Freezer: Up to 2 months (add extra broth when reheating)