One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Craving a cozy dinner that delivers maximum comfort with minimum effort? This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is absolutely dreamy—creamy, ultra cheesy, and glowing with homemade goodness.

Each spoonful is loaded with juicy chicken, tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar in every bite. And the best part? Everything cooks together in just one pot, saving you from a sink full of dishes.

This casserole is a weeknight lifesaver—easy enough for busy nights, but so satisfying you’ll want to make it again and again. My family begs for this every time the weather turns chilly, and I bet yours will too!

Whether you’re fueling picky kiddos, prepping for a meal train, or needing a simple crowd-pleaser for the holidays, this cheesy casserole never disappoints.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• One-pot magic means easy cooking and even easier cleanup.
• Crowd-pleasing flavors the whole family will devour, including picky eaters!
• Comforting, cheesy goodness in every single bite.
• Perfect for make-ahead meals, potlucks, or freezing for later.

Key Ingredients for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is the main protein source and makes the casserole hearty and satisfying. For the juiciest result, cut the chicken into bite-size pieces so they cook quickly and evenly. Boneless, skinless thighs are a great substitute if you prefer a richer flavor.

Broccoli

Broccoli brings a pop of color, nutrition, and mild earthy flavor to balance the rich cheese. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli — just cut into small, uniform florets to ensure even cooking. Cauliflower works beautifully here too if that's what you have on hand.

Long Grain White Rice

Long grain white rice ensures the casserole is fluffy and light, absorbing all those delicious flavors as it cooks. Avoid instant or quick-cooking rice, which will become mushy. For a nutty twist, try brown rice, but be aware you'll need to increase the liquid and cooking time.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar brings that signature gooey, melty, irresistible cheesiness. I highly recommend grating your own for the best melt and flavor. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses can all work if you like to switch things up!

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth adds a savory backbone that flavors both the rice and the chicken as they cook. Use low-sodium broth to better control saltiness, and vegetable broth can be swapped in for a vegetarian twist.

Instructions for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Sauté Chicken and Onion

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and chopped onion, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 4-5 minutes until the chicken is mostly cooked through and the onion softens.

Add Garlic and Rice

Stir in the minced garlic and uncooked rice. Cook for 1 minute, stirring often, until fragrant and the rice begins to toast slightly—this adds flavor to the casserole.

Simmer with Broth and Spices

Pour in the chicken broth, then add the dried thyme and smoked paprika. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for about 12 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent sticking.

Stir in Broccoli and Carrots

Uncover and fold in the broccoli florets and shredded carrots. Re-cover and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the vegetables are just cooked.

Finish with Cheese and Milk

Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and the tablespoon of butter until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Broil for a Cheesy Top (Optional)

Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. If your pot is oven safe, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If not, simply cover and let sit for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

Recipe Variations

Go Gluten-Free

Simply swap the white rice for your favorite gluten-free rice blend and make sure all packaged ingredients (like broth) are certified gluten-free. This casserole is naturally suited to gluten-free diets!

Vegetarian-Style

Omit the chicken and add extra broccoli, carrots, or chickpeas for a plant-powered twist. Use vegetable broth for a purely vegetarian meal—still creamy and yummy!

Spice It Up

Like things spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne, diced jalapenos, or a splash of hot sauce when sautéing the chicken for a gentle kick.

Swap the Protein

Not a fan of chicken? This recipe is equally delicious with cooked turkey, cubed ham, or even rotisserie chicken to save extra time.

More Veggie Power

Mix in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for even more veggie goodness. The recipe is flexible—use whatever you have on hand!

Serving Suggestions

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed with vinaigrette to balance its creaminess. Garlic bread or dinner rolls make it extra satisfying, soaking up the cheesy sauce. For a pop of color and flavor, garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions until hot, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a splash of extra broth or milk if the rice seems dry after reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (FAQ)

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but you'll need to increase both the liquid (about 1/2 cup more) and the simmering time (20-25 minutes for the rice to become tender).

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble and cook as directed, then refrigerate and reheat as needed. You can even freeze it for up to 2 months.

Q: What cheeses work best for this recipe?
A: Sharp cheddar is classic for its bold flavor and melt, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a blend of your favorites all work well.

Q: Is this casserole kid-friendly?
A: Definitely! The creamy, cheesy flavors and soft rice make it a hit with kids, and it's a tasty way to sneak in those veggies.

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is pure comfort in a bowl—perfect for those nights when you need something nourishing, delicious, and low on dishes. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. I love hearing from you, and if you enjoyed the recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating!