Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying one-pot meal that’s loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple, creamy, and flavorful dinner that comes together in no time, making it the perfect option for busy weeknights or family meals. Packed with protein, veggies, and cheese, this casserole is a delicious all-in-one dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole brings together some of the best ingredients in one pan. The tender chicken cubes, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice are elevated by the rich, melted cheddar cheese that ties everything together. The best part? It’s easy to make and requires minimal cleanup, making it a great option for busy nights or when you’re looking for a simple, comforting meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 ½ cups white long grain rice, rinsed

• 2 cups chicken stock

• 2 cups water

• 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped

• ½ cup milk

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes and season with salt and pepper.

2. Brown the Chicken: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Add the chicken cubes to the pan and brown on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage, just browned for flavor. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches.

3. Cook the Onion and Garlic: Remove the browned chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds to release its aroma.

4. Cook the Rice: Return the browned chicken to the pan, then add the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Mix everything together and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Add the Broccoli: After 10 minutes, add the chopped broccoli and stir. Cover and cook until the rice is fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

6. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

7. Add the Milk and Cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the milk. Then, fold in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

8. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the casserole, then transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 10–15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

9. Serve: Remove from the oven, serve hot, and enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes longer to cook, so you may need to add additional liquid and cooking time for the rice to fully cook through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point before baking. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in this recipe, but be sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole. Fresh broccoli tends to hold up better in terms of texture, but frozen can still work if you’re in a pinch.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or even mushrooms to this casserole. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly along with the broccoli and rice.

Can I make this casserole with rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken breasts with cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken to save time. Add it in during the final stages of cooking when you’re stirring in the milk and cheese to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by using dairy-free cheese and milk alternatives, such as almond or oat milk. You could also try vegan cheese as a substitute for cheddar cheese.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 40–45 minutes or until heated through.

How do I prevent the rice from being too mushy?

To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, make sure you don’t overcook it and keep an eye on the water-to-rice ratio. If you’re using a different type of rice, be sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

How can I add more flavor to the casserole?

To add more flavor, you can incorporate a little bit of Dijon mustard, hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese into the casserole mix. You could also experiment with adding different spices or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or even a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, creamy, and full of flavor. With tender chicken, cheesy rice, and vibrant broccoli, this one-pot dish is a complete meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. It’s simple enough for weeknights and delicious enough to impress. Get ready for a satisfying, cheesy dinner that will be a hit with everyone at the table!