This recipe eliminates multiple dishes and complicated cooking steps, allowing you to prepare a complete meal in a single pan from stovetop to oven.
Blending tender chicken, fluffy rice, soft broccoli, and melted cheese creates a harmonious comfort food experience that satisfies multiple taste and texture cravings in one delightful dish.
With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a balanced meal packed with protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and wholesome dinner solutions.
Home cooks can easily swap ingredients like using different cheeses, adding more vegetables, or substituting chicken with other proteins to personalize this adaptable and forgiving recipe.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Main Protein and Vegetables:
Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base for the dish, boneless and skinless recommended for easy preparation.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color, frozen can work in a pinch.
Rice and Soup Base:
White Rice: Starchy grain that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting texture, long-grain variety preferred.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that enhances richness and provides additional flavor, reduced-sodium option suggested.
Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps cook rice and adds depth, low-sodium version recommended.
Flavor Enhancers and Finishing Ingredients:
Onion: Aromatic vegetable that builds foundational flavor, yellow or white types work well.
Garlic: Intense seasoning that provides depth and complexity, fresh is best.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp dairy product that melts beautifully and provides creamy, tangy finish, medium or sharp recommended.
Olive Oil: Cooking fat for initial sautéing, extra virgin preferred.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste, kosher salt recommended.
Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds fresh herbal note, optional but recommended.
Tips for Creamy, Comforting Chicken Bake Results
Master Chicken Browning: Ensure chicken cubes develop a golden-brown exterior for maximum flavor development by avoiding overcrowding the skillet and maintaining medium-high heat.
Perfect Rice Absorption: Use precise liquid measurements and stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking or becoming mushy, allowing even cooking and ideal texture.
Optimize Broccoli Crispness: Add broccoli towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant green color and retain a slight crunch, preventing overcooking and mushiness.
Cheese Melting Technique: Distribute cheese evenly across the top and broil carefully, watching closely to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese layer without burning.
One-Pan Efficiency: Use an oven-proof skillet to minimize dishes and create a seamless cooking process from stovetop to broiler, enhancing convenience and flavor infusion.
How to Store & Reheat Cheesy Casserole Without Drying It
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheat Properly: Warm individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until the chicken and rice reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Freeze Option: Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake
Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enhance the creamy, cheesy flavors of the dish with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness and complementing the chicken's subtle taste.
Match with Fresh Green Salad: Create a balanced meal by serving a light, tangy mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, which will provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty rice bake.
Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve some warm, crusty French bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
Serve with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or glazed carrots to add extra nutrition and a caramelized flavor that will elevate the overall dining experience.
Chicken Casserole Variations to Explore
Spicy Southwest Chicken Rice: Replace regular cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add diced green chiles, jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a zesty southwestern kick.
Mediterranean Herb Chicken Medley: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole: Include sautéed mushrooms, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, and use gruyère cheese for a rich, earthy undertone.
Lean Green Protein Bowl: Substitute chicken with diced turkey breast, increase broccoli quantity, add spinach, and use low-fat cheese for a lighter, protein-packed version.
FAQs for a Foolproof Chicken & Broccoli Bake
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
The cooking time might be slightly longer, and you’ll need to add more liquid since brown rice requires more moisture to cook properly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use low-sodium chicken broth, opt for reduced-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to increase nutritional value.
What if I don't have an oven-proof skillet?
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding cheese and broiling. Just ensure the dish is broiler-safe.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the dish earlier and refrigerate. Add cheese just before broiling to keep the topping fresh and crispy.
How to Layer and Bake a Cheesy Chicken Rice Dish
Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat
Toss in chopped onion and cubed chicken
Sauté for approximately 5 minutes until chicken develops a golden-brown exterior
Step 2: Boost Flavor Profile
Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken
Add minced garlic
Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic
Step 3: Create Creamy Base
Ingredients:
Uncooked rice
Cream of chicken soup
Chicken broth
Stir all ingredients into the skillet
Ensure liquid covers rice adequately
Adjust broth quantity as needed
Step 4: Simmer and Soften
Bring mixture to a rolling boil
Reduce heat to low
Cover skillet
Simmer for 15 minutes
Stir occasionally
Check rice tenderness
Season to taste
Step 5: Introduce Vibrant Vegetables
Fold broccoli florets into skillet
Sprinkle half the cheddar cheese
Cook for 2 minutes until broccoli softens slightly
Comfort meets culinary creativity in this cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake, blending savory chicken, tender broccoli, and melted cheese into a satisfying one-dish meal. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking delicious weeknight dinner solutions.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
Vegetables and Aromatics:
1 small onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups broccoli florets
Base and Grains:
0.75 cup (180 milliliters) uncooked rice
Liquids and Sauces:
1 can (10 ounces or 280 grams) cream of chicken soup
2 cups (480 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings:
0.25 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese:
1 cup cheddar cheese
Oils and Herbs:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat a large oven-proof skillet with olive oil over medium heat, introducing chopped onions and cubed chicken to sizzle and develop golden edges.
As chicken transforms from raw to lightly caramelized, infuse with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, creating an aromatic base that awakens the kitchen’s senses.
Integrate uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly and ensure consistent moisture throughout the mixture.
Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the rice to simmer gently, periodically redistributing contents to prevent sticking and promote uniform cooking until grains become tender and liquid absorbs.
Introduce broccoli florets and half the cheddar cheese, folding gently to combine and allow vegetables to soften while maintaining their vibrant green color and crisp texture.
Generously cascade remaining cheddar cheese across the surface, then transfer skillet to broiler, watching attentively as cheese melts and develops a golden, bubbling crust.
Extract skillet from oven, crown with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while cheese remains gloriously molten and ingredients radiate warmth.
Notes
Versatile One-Pan Meal: This cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a single skillet, making dinner prep and cleanup super easy.
Quick Cooking Technique: Using an oven-proof skillet allows seamless stovetop-to-broiler cooking, reducing dishes and maximizing flavor development.
Adaptable Ingredient Swaps: Substitute chicken with turkey or swap broccoli for cauliflower to customize the dish based on your pantry or preferences.
Liquid Ratio Matters: Carefully monitor broth quantity to ensure rice cooks perfectly without becoming dry or overly mushy.
Cheese Melting Tip: Broiling creates a golden, crispy cheese topping that adds delicious texture and enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the skillet earlier in the day and refrigerate, then quickly finish cooking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.
Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.
His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.
He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.
Isabella Rossi
Founder & Culinary Content Creator
Expertise
Recipe Development, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education
Education
Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology
Ballymaloe Cookery School
Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life.
His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.
He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.