One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a cozy, easy homemade dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice—all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. The cheesy, comforting texture makes it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. This beginner-friendly recipe uses pantry staples and delivers big on flavor without any fuss. Pair it with my Cottage Cheese and Apple Salad for a fresh side to complete your meal.
Why You'll Love One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Whip up this easy One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
- All-in-one easy cleanup with just one pan needed
- Comforting creamy texture with melty cheddar and tender chicken
- Quick prep and cooking time—perfect for weeknight dinners
- Budget-friendly using simple pantry staples and fresh broccoli
Ingredients for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. Thighs can be substituted but may increase cook time.Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture, but frozen works well—just thaw and drain excess water.Rice: Long grain white rice creates a fluffy texture; jasmine rice is a good substitute.
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking. Thighs can be substituted but may increase cook time.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is best for texture, but frozen works well—just thaw and drain excess water.
- Rice: Long grain white rice creates a fluffy texture; jasmine rice is a good substitute.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until just browned but not fully cooked (about 4 minutes). Add diced onion and garlic, sauté 2 more minutes until fragrant.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Add rice and liquids: Stir in rinsed rice, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a low boil.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add broccoli: Spread broccoli florets evenly over the top of the rice and chicken mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or foil, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
Expert Tips for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
- Rinse rice well to prevent clumping and get fluffy texture.
- Use a lid or foil to trap steam for even cooking.
- Let casserole rest off heat after cooking to fully melt cheese and thicken sauce.
One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal
Whip up this easy One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for a quick, family-friendly dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, rinsed
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
How to Make One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prepare the chicken and aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Cook until just browned but not fully cooked (about 4 minutes). Add diced onion and garlic, sauté 2 more minutes until fragrant.
- Add rice and liquids: Stir in rinsed rice, garlic powder, and chicken broth. Mix well, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a low boil.
- Add broccoli: Spread broccoli florets evenly over the top of the rice and chicken mixture. Cover with a tight-fitting lid or foil, reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish: Remove lid, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover again and let rest off heat for 5 minutes to melt cheese. Fluff gently and garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve warm.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal FAQs
Yes, you can prep the ingredients and assemble the casserole ahead. Store covered in the fridge and cook when ready.
Monterey Jack or mozzarella are great mild substitutes.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 4 days for best quality.
Dry texture may result from too much rice or liquid evaporation. Soggy can be caused by too much broccoli moisture or overcooking—use fresh broccoli and drain frozen well.
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Before You Go
If you try this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - Easy Homemade Comfort Meal, I’d love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.