Creamy, savory, and incredibly comforting, this dish fills the kitchen with the aroma of melting cheese and simmering thyme. This one pan chicken broccoli rice casserole combines tender chicken thighs and fresh greens in a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a hug in a bowl. It's the kind of meal I lean on when the week feels long and I need something hearty that comes together without a mountain of dishes. You need to make this tonight because it delivers that slow-cooked flavor in just 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This
This recipe is a lifesaver because it builds deep layers of flavor in a single pot, saving you from a sink full of dishes. It strikes that lovely balance of being a chicken rice broccoli casserole bake that doesn't require turning on the oven unless you want that crispy top. The chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy while the rice cooks directly in the broth, absorbing every bit of savory goodness.
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Ingredients
This one pan chicken broccoli rice casserole uses simple pantry staples to create a chicken casserole recipes with rice that feels gourmet but is totally approachable.
Check the recipe card for exact amounts and full instructions.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless; they remain tender and moist during the simmer compared to breast meat.
- Long Grain White Rice: Essential for the right texture; it cooks evenly without becoming mushy like instant rice might.
- Fresh Broccoli: Adds a bright pop of color and texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy rice.
- Chicken Broth & Milk: The combination creates a lighter, yet creamy base for the sauce without needing heavy cream.
- Mozzarella or Cheddar: Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt and best flavor stretch.
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation that gives the dish its savory depth.
- Flour: Used to create a quick roux that thickens the liquids into a proper sauce.
- Dried Thyme: A subtle herb that pairs classically with chicken and creamy sauces.
Optional Extras
- Crumbled Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty crunch that pairs well with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch introduces a gentle heat to cut through the richness of the dairy.
How to Make One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
This method ensures a creamy texture and perfectly cooked rice, making it an easy chicken casserole recipes one dish broccoli rice winner for busy nights.
Sauté the Base Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over high heat, then sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute to release their aroma. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn opaque white to ensure they seal properly.
Create the Roux Reduce the heat to medium, sprinkle in the flour, and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look slightly pasty and golden.
Add Liquids Gradually Pour in half the milk while stirring to incorporate it into the flour, then add the remaining milk once smooth. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming in your sauce base.
Simmer the Rice Stir in the chicken broth, uncooked rice, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce heat to medium-low for 12 minutes so the rice absorbs the liquid but stays moist.
Steam the Broccoli Remove the lid and quickly push the broccoli florets down so they are partly submerged in the liquid. Cover again and cook for 3 more minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Finish with Cheese Stir in half the cheese until melted, then smooth the surface and top with the remaining cheese. The residual heat will melt the topping, or you can broil it briefly for a golden crust.
Tips
Before you start this one pan chicken broccoli rice casserole, here is a little advice to ensure creamy success.
Rest before serving → allows juices to redistribute → the cheesy broccoli chicken and rice will hold its shape better.
Cut broccoli small → ensures it cooks quickly → look for bite-sized florets that fit on a spoon.
Shred cheese yourself → avoids anti-caking agents → notice how much smoother the sauce becomes.
Don't lift the lid often → keeps essential steam inside → rice will be fluffy rather than dry.
Use room temp milk → prevents the sauce from seizing → the sauce will thicken more evenly.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →Variations
If you need chicken and rice casserole recipes dairy free, you can easily swap the butter for oil and use unsweetened almond milk and a dairy-free cheese alternative. For a heartier twist, try swapping the white rice for brown rice, but remember you will need to increase the liquid and cook time significantly. You can also substitute the broccoli for cauliflower or green beans if that's what you have in the vegetable drawer.
Storage
This dish stores beautifully, making it one of those dinner recipes easy chicken casserole broccoli rice that works great for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; the rice may absorb more liquid, so add a splash of broth when reheating. You can freeze portions for up to 2 months, though the texture of the creamy sauce might change slightly upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
To balance the richness of this one pan chicken broccoli rice casserole, I love pairing it with a crisp green salad tossed in a vinaigrette. A side of garlic bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for scooping up any extra creamy sauce left in the bowl. For a healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole meal, roasted carrots or glazed green beans make excellent vegetable companions.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, but add it during the last 2 minutes of cooking rather than 3. Frozen broccoli is already blanched, so it needs less time to heat through to avoid becoming mushy in your broccoli chicken casserole rice.
Why is my rice still hard after 12 minutes?
Your simmer might have been too low, or the lid wasn't tight enough. Add a splash more broth, cover tightly, and cook for another 3-5 minutes until the grains are tender.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but be careful not to overcook it as breast meat dries out faster. Cut the pieces slightly larger so they withstand the simmering time without becoming tough or stringy.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil once the milk is added. High heat can cause dairy to separate, so patience with a lower temperature is key for a smooth sauce.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoyed this dinner, you might also like these other comforting meals that share the same spirit as our one pan chicken broccoli rice casserole.
- Creamy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Cheddar Broccoli Chicken And Rice Bake
- One Pot Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes - I'd love to see your twist on it!
One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over high heat, then sauté the onion and garlic for 1 minute to release their aroma. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn opaque white to ensure they seal properly.
- Reduce the heat to medium, sprinkle in the flour, and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. The mixture should look slightly pasty and golden.
- Pour in half the milk while stirring to incorporate it into the flour, then add the remaining milk once smooth. This gradual addition prevents lumps from forming in your sauce base.
- Stir in the chicken broth, uncooked rice, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Everything should be well combined in the liquid.
- Bring the liquid to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce heat to medium-low for 12 minutes. The rice will absorb most of the liquid but should still look moist.
- Remove the lid and quickly push the broccoli florets down so they are partly submerged in the liquid. Cover again and cook for 3 more minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Stir in half the cheese until melted, then smooth the surface and top with the remaining cheese. The residual heat will melt the topping, or you can broil it briefly for a golden crust.
Nutrition
Notes
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with One Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
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