This One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice come together in a beautiful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this dish even better is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal cleanup and just a few simple ingredients, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. You can even switch up the vegetables or add extra seasonings to make it your own.
Full Recipe:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
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2 cups broccoli florets
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in rice and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast.
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Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
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Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and half of the shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the cheese is melted.
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Top with the remaining shredded cheese, cover, and allow to melt before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Comforting and Easy Meal
The One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. This dish combines tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and creamy rice all in one pot, making it the perfect meal for busy families or anyone looking for a quick, hearty dinner. With minimal cleanup and simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers both flavor and convenience.
Why Choose a One-Pot Meal?
One-pot meals have become increasingly popular in home cooking due to their simplicity and ease. The beauty of this type of dish is that it requires fewer cooking utensils, which means less washing up after the meal. The One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect example of this. You sauté the ingredients in one pan, add your liquids, and let everything cook together, making the process less time-consuming. It’s especially convenient for those who are looking for a delicious dinner without spending too much time on preparation or cleaning.
A Healthy and Nutritious Meal
The One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, while broccoli is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It’s loaded with vitamin C, which is vital for immune health, and contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health. The rice in this casserole offers carbohydrates for energy, making it a well-balanced meal that can fuel you throughout the day.
By using whole-grain rice or brown rice instead of white rice, you can increase the fiber content of the dish, making it even healthier. Additionally, for a lower-fat version, you can opt for a lighter cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used in the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Endless Customizations
One of the best things about the One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is its versatility. You can adjust the recipe based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, you can swap out the regular chicken broth for a gluten-free version and ensure that your rice is not processed with gluten-containing ingredients.
If you prefer to keep things vegetarian, you can easily replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh. Adding mushrooms or other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach can also enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of the dish. For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporating some chili flakes or hot sauce will add a spicy kick to the casserole.
Meal Prep Made Easy
This casserole is an excellent choice for meal prepping. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it ideal for making ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole as you normally would, and once it’s cooked, store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty lunch on the go.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
One of the best features of the One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is its ability to please even the pickiest of eaters. Kids love the creamy texture and cheesy flavor, while the broccoli adds a healthy touch. If your children are particularly sensitive to certain vegetables, you can blend the broccoli into the casserole, making it less noticeable while still reaping all its health benefits. This makes it an excellent choice for families who want to include vegetables in their meals without a fuss.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, preparing for a potluck, or making a dish to share with friends, this casserole is perfect for any occasion. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it suitable for quick weeknight meals, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that can be served at gatherings. You can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re feeding a large group, and the casserole can be made ahead of time and reheated, making it the ideal dish for busy hosts.
Tips for Making the Best One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To make your casserole even more flavorful, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or even a splash of lemon juice to elevate the taste. Fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary can also be added to bring out even more depth of flavor. If you prefer a crunchy topping, consider adding some breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter on top of the casserole before baking it for an added texture.
Be sure to use a good quality chicken broth or stock for maximum flavor. If you’re looking for a richer flavor, try using homemade chicken broth, which will add depth and a more robust taste to the dish. For a creamy version, using full-fat cream can make the casserole velvety and indulgent, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, opting for low-fat or dairy-free alternatives can help reduce the calorie content without compromising on flavor.
Healthier Variations
While the traditional One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is already a balanced meal, there are several ways to make it healthier if desired. As mentioned earlier, swapping white rice for brown rice or even cauliflower rice can significantly lower the carbohydrate content, making the dish more suitable for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
For those following a dairy-free diet, you can easily replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or skip the cheese altogether. Similarly, using coconut milk instead of heavy cream will provide a different, slightly sweeter flavor while still maintaining the creamy texture. If you’re looking for a protein-packed alternative, you can also replace chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or any other plant-based protein source.
Conclusion
The One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for anyone looking for a comforting, delicious meal. It’s loaded with healthy ingredients, customizable to fit various dietary needs, and ideal for meal prepping or feeding a family. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this dish offers both convenience and flavor, making it a perfect addition to your weekly dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit every time.