One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Get ready to fall head over heels for the ultimate comfort food hack!

This one-pot wonder delivers all the cozy vibes of a traditional casserole without the fuss of multiple dishes or endless cleanup.

We’re talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, vibrant broccoli, and enough melted cheese to make you do a happy dance.

What makes this recipe absolutely brilliant is how everything comes together in one beautiful, bubbling skillet.

The rice absorbs all those incredible flavors from the chicken and broth, while the broccoli stays perfectly crisp-tender.

And that golden, bubbly cheese layer on top?

Pure magic.

Plus, at just 30 minutes from start to finish, this is weeknight dinner gold.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup rice, uncooked
10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
2 cups chicken broth, low sodium
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Steps

1. Cook the onion and chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cubed chicken, cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to develop a golden-brown color and is no longer pink inside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and aromatic – be careful not to let it burn.
2. Add the rice and liquids. Add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth to the skillet. Start with exactly 2 cups of chicken broth, but keep extra broth on hand – you may need to add more during cooking if the rice absorbs liquid faster than expected. Stir everything together until the soup is fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
3. Cook the rice. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The rice is done when it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid – taste a few grains to check for doneness. If the rice is still firm, add more broth ¼ cup at a time and continue cooking. Taste for seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
4. Finish with broccoli and cheese. Add the broccoli florets and half of the cheddar cheese (about ½ cup), stirring gently to combine. Continue cooking uncovered for 2 more minutes until the broccoli turns bright green and is crisp-tender when pierced with a fork. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly over the top and place the entire skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully until the cheese melts and develops golden-brown spots.
5. Garnish and serve. Remove from the broiler and immediately garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Let the casserole rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent burns from the hot skillet.

Smart Swaps

• Cauliflower rice instead of regular rice (use 2 cups frozen or fresh) – reduces carbs by 75% and cooks in just 5 minutes
• Greek yogurt mixed with chicken broth instead of cream of chicken soup (½ cup Greek yogurt + ½ cup broth) – cuts calories and adds protein
• Sharp white cheddar or Gruyere instead of regular cheddar – more intense flavor means you can use less cheese
• Frozen broccoli works perfectly – just add it directly without thawing and cook for 1 extra minute

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Transform this comfort food into a blood sugar-friendly meal with these precise modifications:

• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice to slash carbs from 28g to 7g per serving – that’s a 75% reduction in carbohydrates
• Use low-fat cream of chicken soup or make your own with 2 tablespoons flour, 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, and 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• Portion control: Serve ¾ cup portions instead of full cups, paired with a large side salad to increase fiber and slow glucose absorption
• Add extra vegetables: Double the broccoli and add 1 cup diced bell peppers to increase fiber content to 6g per serving
• Timing tip: Eat this meal with a 10-minute walk afterward to help with glucose uptake
• Glycemic impact: These swaps reduce the glycemic load from 18 to approximately 8, making it much gentler on blood sugar levels

Pro Tips

• Use day-old rice if you have it – it absorbs flavors better and won’t get mushy
• Cut chicken into uniform ½-inch cubes so everything cooks evenly
• Don’t skip the oven-proof skillet – regular skillets can’t handle the broiler heat
• Save some cheese for the end – that broiled top layer makes all the difference
• Fresh vs. frozen broccoli: Fresh gives better texture, but frozen works in a pinch (just don’t thaw it first)