Name: One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes); 1 small onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups broccoli florets; ¾ cup rice (uncooked); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a hearty, cheesy dinner you can make all in one go. The One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is exactly that—comfort food meets simplicity with flavors that feel like a big warm hug.

The image shows a creamy casserole in a silver pan placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main visible layers: the bottom layer consists of small pieces of white chicken mixed with white rice, the middle layer is made of chopped bright green broccoli florets scattered evenly, and the top layer is melted golden yellow and white cheese blending smoothly over the broccoli and chicken. Small flecks of fresh green herbs are sprinkled on top adding a touch of color. A metal spoon lifts a portion of the casserole, showing all layers clearly, with the broccoli and chicken pieces covered in cheesy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can honestly say this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. It’s just so straightforward, yet the cheesy creaminess combined with tender chicken and bright broccoli makes every bite feel special without fuss.

Simple One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less mess and less stress on busy weeknights.
Perfect Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy, and comforting with wholesome broccoli and tender chicken mixed in.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal when you want dinner fast but delicious.
Customizable Goodness: You can easily swap veggies or cheeses to suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients come together seamlessly to create a dish that’s rich in flavor but not complicated. From my experience, using fresh broccoli and a good quality cheddar really makes a difference, and don’t skip the garlic—it adds that punch that brings everything to life.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of minced garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked rice, two whole uncracked brown chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of cream of chicken soup, a few bright green broccoli florets, one small whole fresh onion, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, two small white ceramic bowls with coarse salt and black pepper, placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat base to sauté the chicken and onion without overpowering flavors.
Small Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth; I like to chop it finely so it softens nicely.
Chicken Breasts: Cubed for quick cooking and even distribution through the dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the other flavors.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings aromatic warmth; it’s a must-have for that savory kick.
Rice (uncooked): Absorbs the creamy sauce while becoming tender and fluffy—long grain works well here.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and helps bind everything while contributing a subtle chicken flavor.
Chicken Broth (low sodium): Keeps the dish moist and flavorful without being overly salty.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh or frozen both work, but fresh gives that nice crunch and vibrant color.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it turns the casserole into pure cheesy goodness.
Fresh Parsley: A quick sprinkle at the end brightens the flavors and adds a lovely color contrast.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it depending on what I have at hand or the mood I’m in. You should definitely play around with your favorite twists!

Variation: Sometimes I swap broccoli for spinach or asparagus when I want a different veggie vibe—both cook well in the same time frame.
Dietary Alteration: For a dairy-free version, I use a vegan cheese and coconut milk–based cream soup substitute, which surprisingly works really well.
Protein Swap: Use turkey or even diced ham for a delightful change that still keeps the dish hearty.
Spice Kick: Adding a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika can give it a subtle smoky heat I find irresistible.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

I start by heating olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet because it holds heat well and makes the broiling step easier later. Toss in the chopped onion and cubed chicken, cooking over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown and is no longer pink. This browning adds so much flavor, so don’t rush it. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the minced garlic for about 30 seconds—watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn; you want that fragrant aroma instead.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Next, I add the uncooked rice along with the cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. I always start with 2 cups of broth but keep some extra on hand just in case the rice needs a little more liquid to cook through perfectly. Stir everything together so the rice begins soaking up the flavors and moisture.

Step 3: Simmer Until Rice is Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover your skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring once or twice during this time. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking. Taste the rice at the 15-minute mark—you want it fully cooked but still tender. If it’s a bit firm, don’t hesitate to add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese, Then Broil

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the broccoli florets and half the cheddar cheese. Cover and cook for 2 more minutes to let the broccoli soften just enough without losing its bright green color and crunch. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top and transfer the skillet under your broiler for a couple of minutes—watch carefully here—to melt the cheese and get a beautiful golden brown crust.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley—it adds freshness and a lovely contrast to the cheesy richness. Serve hot straight from the skillet for the ultimate cozy meal experience.

Top Tip

This recipe really shines once you understand a few simple tricks from my experience. Following these will help you avoid common pitfalls and get that creamy, cheesy goodness every time.

Don’t Skip Browning the Chicken: It adds layers of flavor you won’t get if you just throw everything in raw.
Keep an Eye on the Liquid: Different rices absorb differently—be ready to add a bit more broth if needed but avoid making it soupy.
Broccoli Timing Matters: Add it toward the end so it stays brightly colored and doesn’t turn mushy.
Watch the Broiler: Melting cheese under high heat happens fast; a minute too long and you could burn the top.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe

cheesy chicken broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I tend to use fresh parsley because it adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra sharp cheddar or even a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flair.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread brings a nice textural contrast. I also like to serve a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil for a light refreshment that balances the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this recipe in shallow cast iron skillets right at the table—it looks rustic and inviting. Another fun presentation is to bake it in individual ramekins for each guest, making every serving feel personal and special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it a bit.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole by portioning it into freezer-friendly containers. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. While the texture of broccoli softens a bit after freezing, the flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

Reheat gently covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the top from drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in intervals, stirring occasionally for even heating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this recipe?

You can substitute brown rice, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. I recommend partially cooking the brown rice beforehand or adjusting the broth to ensure it cooks fully without drying out the chicken or broccoli.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can make a quick homemade version by whisking together some chicken broth, a bit of flour or cornstarch for thickening, and a splash of heavy cream or milk. Season it well with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely! This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe stores well in individual containers and reheats nicely, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or dinners during the week. Just keep in mind to add a splash of liquid when reheating to keep the rice from drying out.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by skipping the chicken and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could also add chickpeas or tofu for protein and use a cream of mushroom soup as a creamy base.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe is one of those dishes I go back to time and time again because of its ease and comforting flavors. It’s practical for busy nights yet special enough when you want that cozy, homemade feeling. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be a favorite in your rotation too—just like it became in mine. So grab your skillet, invite your loved ones, and enjoy a delicious, cheesy dinner made simple.