One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Hey there, friends! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite go-to dinners with you today. It’s none other than my trusty One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, a dish that’s saved my sanity on countless busy weeknights. I discovered this gem of a recipe a few years back when I was juggling a toddler’s tantrums and a deadline, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver ever since.

You know those nights when you just can’t face a sink full of dishes? That’s when this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole shines—everything cooks together, melding into a creamy, comforting meal with minimal cleanup. My family, especially my picky husband, can’t get enough of it, and I’m betting yours will love it too.

I still remember the first time I whipped up this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. I was a little skeptical about whether one pan could really handle all that flavor, but boy, was I wrong—it turned out to be a total game-changer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ve found that this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a winner for so many reasons, and I’m not just saying that because I’m obsessed with it. It’s ridiculously easy to throw together, even when I’m running on fumes after a long day, and the flavors just pop with cheesy, savory goodness. Plus, it’s a complete meal—protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish.

In my kitchen, this recipe has become the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether I’m cooking for my family or sneaking in a quick dinner before guests arrive, this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole never fails to impress. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked just like I am!

Ingredients List

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this amazing One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. I’m pretty particular about my ingredients because I’ve learned over time what works best for that perfect texture and taste. I usually buy high-quality stuff when I can, but I’ll also share some budget-friendly swaps if you’re in a pinch.

Here’s the breakdown for a hearty batch of One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that feeds my crew (and leaves leftovers, thank goodness). I’ve tweaked this list over the years to get it just right, and I prefer using fresh ingredients where possible for that homemade vibe.

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking
2 cups (400g) uncooked long-grain white rice, rinsed to avoid stickiness (I usually go for jasmine rice)
3 cups (750ml) chicken broth, low-sodium if you’re watching salt like I sometimes do
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup, for that creamy base I love
2 cups (200g) fresh broccoli florets, chopped small so they cook evenly
1 medium yellow onion (about 150g), finely diced for subtle sweetness
2 cloves garlic, minced for a punch of flavor
1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided for gooey layers
1 teaspoon dried thyme, because it’s my secret weapon for depth
2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil, for sautéing without sticking
Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything in my book

These ingredients come together like a dream for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, and I’m telling you, it’s worth grabbing fresh broccoli if you can. (Though, full disclosure, I’ve used frozen in a pinch and it’s still tasty!)

Variations

I love how versatile this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can be, and over the years, I’ve played around with it to suit different moods or whatever I’ve got in the fridge. Sometimes, I’m craving a twist, or my kids are begging for something “new,” so I’ve got a handful of variations that keep this dish fresh.

Here are some of my fave ways to switch up this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole without losing that comforting vibe.

Spicy Kick: Toss in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions for a little heat that wakes up the dish. I tried this once for a game night, and my friends couldn’t stop raving!
Cheesy Deluxe: Swap half the cheddar for mozzarella or add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy crust. My kids always ask for this version.
Veggie Overload: Mix in some diced bell peppers or carrots along with the broccoli for more color and crunch. I do this when I’m trying to sneak in extra nutrients.
Creamy Mushroom: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken soup for an earthy twist. I stumbled on this by accident and loved it.
Herby Freshness: Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley or basil at the end for a bright pop. It’s my go-to when I want to feel fancy.
Protein Swap: Replace chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey or even cooked sausage for a different vibe. I’ve done turkey post-Thanksgiving, and it’s a hit.
Grain Switch: Sub the white rice for brown rice or quinoa if you’re feeling wholesome. Just adjust the liquid and cooking time—I learned that the hard way.
Low-Carb Twist: Ditch the rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly take on One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. I was skeptical, but it’s surprisingly good.

These tweaks keep One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole exciting, and honestly, I’m always tinkering with new ideas. What’s your favorite spin on a casserole? Drop it in the comments—I’m curious!

Servings and Timing

Let’s chat about how much this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole makes and how long it’ll take to get it on the table. In my experience, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner with a bit left over for lunch the next day, which is a win in my house. Here’s the breakdown based on how it usually goes in my kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 generous portions

I’ve found this timing works like a charm for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, though I’ll admit I’ve rushed the prep once or twice and still pulled it off. If you’ve got little helpers in the kitchen, it might take a tad longer, but it’s worth it!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. I’m gonna walk you through it like I’m right there in the kitchen with you, sharing all my little tricks to make this as easy as pie. I’ve made this dish so many times, I could probably do it blindfolded, so trust me on these steps.

One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe step-by-step guide — Delicious One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole prepared with love – follow this detailed recipe guide

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a large, oven-safe skillet or pan—I use a 12-inch one that’s seen better days but still gets the job done. Make sure everything’s chopped and ready, ‘cause once you start, this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole comes together quick.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat up that olive oil over medium heat, then toss in your chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook ‘em for about 5-7 minutes until they’re golden but not fully done—they’ll finish in the oven. I’ve overcooked the chicken before, and it gets tough, so keep an eye out!

Step 3: Add Veggies and Aromatics

Scoop the chicken to one side (or onto a plate if your pan’s small), then throw in the onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and smelling amazing. This step builds the flavor base for your One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, so don’t skimp on it.

Step 4: Mix in the Rice and Liquids

Stir in the uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and thyme. Give it a good mix to coat everything—I like to scrape the bottom for those tasty browned bits. It’s starting to look like a proper One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole now, isn’t it?

Step 5: Add Broccoli and Bake

Fold in the broccoli florets and half the cheese, then spread everything evenly. Cover with foil (or a lid if your pan has one) and bake for 30 minutes. I’ve found this keeps the rice from drying out while it soaks up all that goodness for the One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese

After 30 minutes, uncover, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden. That cheesy crust is my favorite part of One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, and my family fights over the crispy edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before digging in—trust me, it’s worth the wait!

Nutritional Information

I’m not a nutritionist, but I’ve done my homework on this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole to give you a rough idea of what you’re getting per serving. I think it’s a pretty balanced meal, especially with the veggies in there, though I’ll admit I’m not counting calories every day. Here’s the breakdown for one portion (based on 6 servings).

Calories: 420 per serving
Fat: 18g
Protein: 25g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Sodium: 680mg

These numbers for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can vary based on brands or swaps, but it’s a hearty dish that keeps you full. If you’re watching your intake, I’ve got some lighter options coming up next!

Healthier Alternatives

If you’re looking to lighten up this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, I’ve got you covered with some swaps I’ve tried myself. When I’m watching my calories or just wanna feel a bit virtuous, these tweaks still keep the dish delish. Here are a few ways to make One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole a tad healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Lower Fat Cheese: Swap regular cheddar for a reduced-fat version or cut the amount in half. I’ve done this and still get that cheesy fix.
Leaner Protein: Use ground turkey or chicken thighs trimmed of fat instead of breasts. It’s a sneaky way to cut some cals, in my experience.
Less Creamy: Replace the canned soup with a homemade mix of Greek yogurt and a splash of broth. I’ve swapped this for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole on lighter weeks, and it’s creamy enough.
More Veggies: Double the broccoli or add spinach to bulk it up without extra carbs. I love doing this to trick myself into eating more greens!

Serving Suggestions

I’ve got some killer ideas for serving up this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’ll make your meal feel extra special. I love playing around with sides and pairings depending on the vibe of the day. Here are a few ways I jazz up One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole at my table.

Simple Salad: Pair it with a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. It’s my go-to for balance.
Garlic Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty garlic bread for sopping up every last bit. My husband insists on this every time!
Steamed Veggies: Add a side of steamed carrots or peas if you want even more color on the plate. I do this for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole on fancier nights.
Light Lunch: Scoop leftovers into a wrap with a bit of hot sauce for a quick next-day bite. I’ve taken this to work and gotten so many compliments!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made my fair share of blunders while perfecting this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, so let me save you some headaches with a few pitfalls to dodge. Trust me on this one—I’ve learned the hard way! Here are common slip-ups when making One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Undercooked Rice: Don’t skip rinsing the rice or skimp on liquid—it’ll end up crunchy. I’ve had to re-bake a batch before, ugh.
Overcooking Chicken: If you cook the chicken too long upfront, it gets rubbery in the oven. Guilty as charged on my first try with One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!
Skipping the Cover: Forgetting foil or a lid during the first bake dries out the dish. I’ve ruined the texture once by rushing.
Wrong Pan Size: Too small a pan means uneven cooking or spills. I’ve had overflows, and cleanup was not fun.

Storing Tips

I’ve found that this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole holds up really well if you store it right, which is a blessing for meal prep or late-night snacking. Here’s how I keep it fresh in my house. These tips work great for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole leftovers.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. I reheat it with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. I’ve thawed it for quick dinners, and it’s a lifesaver.
Reheating: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until hot. I usually cover it to avoid drying out One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get a ton of questions about this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, so I’ve rounded up the most common ones I hear from friends and readers. Let’s dive into these with some straight-up answers based on my many trials. I’ve got your back!

Can I make One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Totally! Assemble everything in the pan, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yep, I’ve done it plenty of times. No need to thaw—just toss it in. It might release a bit more water, so check the rice for doneness.

Can I use brown rice instead?

Sure can, but it takes longer to cook. Increase the broth by half a cup and bake an extra 15-20 minutes. I’ve tested this, and it works!

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, ‘cause of the canned soup. Swap for a gluten-free version or make a homemade creamy base. I’ve got a friend who does this with great results.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely, but use a larger pan or two pans. I’ve doubled One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for potlucks, and it scales up nicely.

What if my rice is still hard after baking?

Add a bit more broth, cover, and bake another 10 minutes. I’ve had this happen when I eyeball the liquid wrong. It usually fixes itself.

Can I make this vegetarian?

For sure! Skip the chicken, use veggie broth, and add more veggies or beans for protein. I’ve made a veggie version that’s just as comforting.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Add it in the last 10 minutes of baking, not sooner. I’ve scorched the top before, so now I’m super careful with timing.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my tried-and-true recipe for One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s been a staple in my home for years. I hope you’ll give this cozy, all-in-one meal a whirl and see why I’m so crazy about it. Drop a comment if you try this One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!