Irresistible One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

One-pot meals revolutionize weeknight dinners with their incredible simplicity and delectable flavor combinations.

cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake elevates ordinary ingredients into a comforting culinary experience that satisfies deep hunger and creates instant family excitement.

Home cooks adore these effortless recipes that minimize kitchen cleanup while maximizing nutritional value and taste.

Combining protein-rich chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy rice, this dish delivers a perfectly balanced meal in a single pan.

Melted cheese adds luxurious richness and depth, elevating the entire meal from mundane to magnificent.

Busy families can appreciate the minimal preparation required to produce such a crowd-pleasing dinner.

This recipe promises a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice So Easy

• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: This one-pot wonder eliminates multiple dishes and complicated steps, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Packed with Nutritious Comfort: The combination of lean chicken, tender broccoli, and filling rice creates a perfectly balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients in every delicious bite.
• Cheesy Melty Goodness: The golden, bubbling cheddar cheese topping transforms this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering irresistible flavor and a gorgeous visual appeal that makes everyone eager to dig in.
• Quick and Effortless Meal Solution: From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, offering a speedy dinner option that doesn't compromise on taste or quality, perfect for families and individuals seeking convenient yet delectable meals.

What You Need for Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds hearty flavor and main substance to the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best.
• Rice: Provides a comforting base and absorbs the delicious flavors. Long-grain white rice recommended for best texture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances overall taste of the dish. Low-sodium version helps control salt levels.

• Onion: Builds foundational flavor and provides subtle sweetness. Yellow or white onions are ideal.
• Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the recipe. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Broccoli Florets: Introduces green vegetable nutrition and fresh texture. Fresh broccoli recommended over frozen.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Serves as creamy binding agent and adds rich flavor. Condensed version works best.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor and creamy finish. Sharp cheddar recommended for more intense taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevent sticking. Extra virgin olive oil preferred.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile. Kosher or sea salt recommended.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity. Freshly ground preferred.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh herbal note. Flat-leaf parsley suggested.

Steps to Make One-Pot Chicken and Broccoli Rice

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken and Onions

• Chicken pieces
• Chopped onions

Cook for 5 minutes until chicken turns golden and loses its pink color. Sprinkle salt and pepper for seasoning.

Step 2: Awaken the Garlic

• Uncooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth

Adjust liquid if needed to ensure perfect rice cooking.

Step 3: Let the Rice Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower heat. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check rice for tender perfection and season as desired.

Step 4: Welcome the Broccoli and Cheese

Fold in broccoli florets and half the cheddar cheese. Cook for 2 minutes, allowing broccoli to soften slightly. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top.

Step 5: Create a Golden Cheese Crust

Slide the skillet under the broiler. Watch carefully as cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top. Serve piping hot directly from the skillet for maximum comfort and flavor.

Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Goodness

• Master One-Pot Technique: Keep stirring occasionally to prevent rice from sticking and ensure even cooking throughout the skillet.
• Control Liquid Consistency: Add extra chicken broth gradually to achieve perfect rice texture without making the dish too watery or dry.
• Maximize Broccoli Crispness: Add broccoli florets toward the end of cooking to maintain their vibrant green color and slight crunch.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Select a sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor and use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
• Temperature Management: Use medium heat while cooking to prevent burning and promote even heat distribution in the skillet.

Store and Heat Chicken Rice Bake Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken broccoli rice bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
• Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave using a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture, then heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Best Side Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio cuts through the creamy richness, balancing the cheesy chicken and rice with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Fresh Garden Salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty one-pot meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Honey-glazed roasted carrots or garlic-infused asparagus add extra vegetable variety and bring complementary caramelized flavors to the dish.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Warm, rustic sourdough or garlic bread helps soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provides a satisfying textural crunch alongside the creamy rice bake.

Easy Swaps for Chicken and Broccoli Bake

• Southwestern Spice Blast: Replace chicken broth with salsa, add diced green chilies, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate diced bell peppers, substitute chicken with ground lamb, use feta cheese, and sprinkle with oregano and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-style dish.
• Creamy Mushroom Harvest: Add sliced mushrooms during the sauté stage, replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom, and mix in Swiss cheese for an earthy, rich variation.
• Protein Power Upgrade: Use quinoa instead of rice, add cooked diced turkey, mix in spinach instead of broccoli, and top with a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a protein-packed alternative.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake delivers comfort straight from the kitchen with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and flavor to dinner tables everywhere you gather.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
• 10 ounces (1 can) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Base and Toppings:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ cup rice, uncooked
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large oven-proof skillet and set the temperature to medium heat. Pour of olive oil into the pan, ensuring even coverage.
2. Add finely diced onions and bite-sized chicken cubes to the heated skillet. Sauté the ingredients for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken develops a golden exterior and loses its raw pink color. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Immediately incorporate uncooked long-grain rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth (16 fluid ounces or 473 milliliters). If the liquid appears insufficient, carefully add extra broth to guarantee proper rice hydration.
4. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and allow the rice to simmer for 15-18 minutes, periodically stirring to prevent sticking. Verify rice tenderness and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. Gently fold fresh broccoli florets into the rice mixture. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese throughout the skillet, stirring to distribute evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften the broccoli.
6. Distribute the remaining cheese across the top of the dish, creating an even layer. Transfer the skillet to the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden, bubbling cheese topping.
7. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant presentation. Serve immediately while the cheese remains melted and inviting.

Notes

• Streamline your cooking by using an oven-proof skillet, eliminating extra dishes and simplifying the entire preparation process.
• Choose fresh broccoli florets for the best texture and vibrant green color, ensuring crisp and delicious results.
• Monitor rice moisture carefully, adding extra broth if needed to prevent drying and achieve perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
• Layer flavors strategically by sautéing chicken and onions first, allowing deep caramelization and enhanced taste profile.
• Melting cheese under the broiler creates a golden, crispy top that adds delightful texture and visual appeal to the dish.
• Customize recipe by substituting different proteins like turkey or adding extra vegetables for personalized meal variations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg