• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

RecipeTin Eats

Fast Prep, Big Flavours

  • My RecipeTin
  • Recipes
  • Recipes By Category
    • Mains
      • Chicken
        • Chicken mince
      • Beef Recipes
        • Ground Beef (Mince)
      • Pork
      • Lamb
      • Turkey
      • Shrimp / Prawns
      • Salmon
      • Fish
      • Salad Meals
    • Quick and Easy
    • Soups
    • One Pot
    • Stews
    • Slow Cooker
    • Sides
      • All
      • Vegetables
      • Show Off Salads
      • Rice
      • Potato
    • Pasta
      • All
      • Pasta bakes
      • Pasta salads
    • Sweet
      • Cake recipes
      • Cupcakes & Muffins
      • Cookies
      • Puddings & Cosy Desserts
      • Bite Size
      • Pies
      • Slices & Bars
      • Frosting & Icing
    • Cuisine
      • Asian
        • All
        • Stir fries
        • Noodles
        • Soups
        • Chinese
        • Japanese
        • Korean
        • Thai
        • Vietnamese
      • French
      • Greek
      • Indian
      • Italian
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican
      • Middle Eastern
      • South American
    • Dietary
      • Gluten Free
      • Low Calorie
      • Vegetarian
    • Other Categories
      • BBQ
      • Breakfast
      • Burgers
      • Cocktails
      • Party Foods
      • Rice Recipes
      • Roasts
      • Sandwiches & Sliders
  • ✨Special✨
  • Collections
  • About
    • Me
    • RecipeTin Meals
    • Free Recipe Books
    • Contact
    • eBooks
      • The Food Photography Book
      • Chicken Wings Cookbook
    • Food Bloggers Central
    • Nitty Gritty
      • Policy: Use of Recipes & Images
      • Privacy & Disclosure
Home Collections Winter Warmers

One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

By:Nagi
Published:12 Jan '19Updated:1 Aug '20
261 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

Made-from-scratch creamy, cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole made in ONE POT on the stove! Tastes like risotto, but much faster to make and completely low maintenance. Loaded with tons of broccoli, this is a terrific quick dinner idea you can get on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Close up of spoon scooping up Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole from the pot

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

It never even crossed my mind to make a recipe such as this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole from anything but scratch. But a quick Google and I was somewhat bemused to find that there are in fact many versions of similar rice casseroles made using canned soup.

I’ve never tried this with canned soup, and I never intend to. Having tried canned soup in various forms in my time, I can say with absolute confidence that homemade from scratch is tastier, it’s better for you and it’s easy!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in a black bowl, ready to be eaten

How to make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – from scratch!

  • Sauté garlic and onion in butter and/or oil, then mostly cook the chicken – it finishes cooking with the rice;

  • Add flour, milk, broth and basic seasonings (salt, pepper, thyme), then add the rice right into the same pot. As the rice cooks, the flour thickens the liquid which makes the sauce beautifully creamy;

  • After 12 minutes of simmering, add the broccoli and cook for a further 3 minutes; then

  • Stir through cheese, top with more cheese then give it a quick broil/grill just to melt the cheese.

How to make One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

What this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole tastes like

It tastes like a creamy, cheesy risotto, it truly does. Except it’s made with normal white rice.

And being the rice snob that I am ( 🤗Asian blood), I promise you that this is as far from gluey rice as you can get. The rice is just cooked to tender al dente and it’s smothered in a creamy sauce (but no cream), as opposed to overcooked super soft rice that is gluggy with thick sauce.

Here’s close up proof – see? 🙂 If it were overcooked and gluey, the surface of the rice grains would look mushy.

Close up of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in a pot, fresh off the stove

I wasn’t quite sure what to call this recipe. I think of this as a rice bake which is completely illogical because it’s not cooked in the oven at all. Though someone please remind me a few months down the track to share the recipe for this that’s made entirely in the oven!

So in the end, I decided to call it a casserole, guessing that is what normal people would call this. Is that what this is?? I’m not sure. I know I’ll always think of this as a “Rice Bake”! – Nagi x

Overhead photo of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, fresh off the stove

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Watch how to make it

Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.

Close up of spoon scooping up One Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

One Pot Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Casserole

Author: Nagi
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 20 mins
Total: 30 mins
Mains
4.9 from 89 votes
Servings5
Tap or hover to scale
Print
  • 824
Recipe VIDEO above. Made from scratch, this tastes like a risotto but is so much more straight forward to make! A complete meal in one pot.

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp (30g ) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion , finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves , minced
  • 500g (1 lb) chicken thigh , cut into bite size pieces (Note 1)
  • 2.5 tbsp flour (or 1 ½ tbsp. cornflour / cornstarch)
  • 2 cups (500 ml) milk (any, I use low fat)
  • 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 1/4 cups (225g) long grain white rice , uncooked (Note 2)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or other herb of choice)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 large head of broccoli, broken / cut into small florets (~400 - 500g / 14 oz - 1 lb) (Note 3)
  • 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar (or other cheese of choice) (Note 4)
  • Finely chopped parsley , optional garnish

Instructions

  • Melt butter and heat oil in a pot over high heat. Add onion and garlic, cook for 1 minute. Add chicken and cook until it changes from pink to white. (Note 5)
  • Turn stove DOWN to medium. Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
  • Add half the milk, stirring as you go, and once incorporated into the flour add the rest of the milk and stir.
  • Add broth, rice, thyme and a just pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Stir, bring to simmer, then cover. Turn down to medium low and cook for 12 minutes.
  • Remove lid – there should still be liquid on the surface. Working quickly, add broccoli, push down so it’s partly submerged, cover and cook for a further 3 minutes until broccoli is just cooked.
  • Preheat grill/broiler. Remove lid and stir through half the cheese – don’t worry if it looks a bit too saucy, excess liquid gets sucked up in minutes (see video). Smooth surface, top with remaining cheese. Grill/broil until melted (or just put lid on and allow to melt with residual heat on turned off stove).
  • Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes:

1. CHICKEN: Thigh is better than breast because it's fattier so they don't dry out. This recipe would also work great with ground meat!
2. RICE: Long grain and medium grain rice are ideal in this because they are less "sticky" than short grain rice so it makes this come out like a creamy risotto. But it will work with short grain rice too. This will also work fine with basmati and jasmine rice, though you will get the added fragrance from these rices. I have not tried this with brown rice but it should work but it will take around 40 minutes to cook on low heat, then add the broccoli right at the end. You may need to top up with a bit of extra water.
Do not use risotto or paella rice - the liquid ratios in this recipe are not suited to these. I also have not tried this with quinoa, cauliflower rice or any non-rice alternatives!
3. Frozen Broccoli is fine to use in this recipe, but thaw first and ensure all excess liquid is drained.
4. Cheese: Any melting cheese is fine for this recipe.
5. Cooking chicken: It’s great if you can get some colour on it but don’t cook it all the way through and don’t let the base of the pot go too brown (discolours the sauce).
6. LEFTOVERS/MAKE AHEAD: This reheats much better than most rice casseroles because it's nice and saucy, just keep it in the fridge 🙂 For make ahead, stop at the point after you stir the cheese in, cover and let it cool. Then sprinkle with cheese on top, refrigerate, then microwave to reheat / melt the cheese. I think this is the freshest way to make ahead. 
7. Nutrition per serving (about 2 cups), assuming 5 servings and that this is made using low fat milk. CALORIE REDUCTION: Leave out all the cheese, stir through 1/2 cup parmesan instead then top with breadcrumbs, spray with oil. This will reduce the calories by about 100 calories per serving. 

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 524gCalories: 576cal (29%)Carbohydrates: 47g (16%)Protein: 32g (64%)Fat: 28g (43%)Saturated Fat: 11g (69%)Cholesterol: 120mg (40%)Sodium: 392mg (17%)Potassium: 785mg (22%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 7g (8%)Vitamin A: 1205IU (24%)Vitamin C: 92.1mg (112%)Calcium: 362mg (36%)Iron: 2.1mg (12%)
Keywords: Chicken and Rice Casserole
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

Chicken and Rice Casserole originally posted January 2018. Updated for housekeeping matters in January 2019 – no change to recipe, I wouldn’t dare!

More one-pot Chicken and Rice recipes

  • Baked Chicken and Rice – one of my all time most popular recipes!

  • One Pot Chinese Chicken and Fried Rice

  • One Pot Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice – firm reader favourite!

  • One Pot Chicken Shawarma and Chickpea Rice

  • See all One Pot Recipes

More Chicken and Broccoli recipes

For those of you who consider these standard weekly grocery items like I do!

Close up of saucy Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry, ready to be eaten
Chicken Broccoli Stir Fry (extra saucy!)
A stack of Broccoli Chicken Fritters
Broccoli Chicken Fritters
This is how to make a HEALTHY Creamy Pasta Bake in one baking dish, from scratch. Loaded with broccoli, 5 minutes prep then just pop it in the oven. This Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Creamy Chicken Pasta Bake is magical! recipetineats.com
Ultra Lazy HEALTHY Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake
Creamy Bacon, Chicken and Broccoli Strata (Bread Bake)
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Chicken & Broccoli - Made in one pot, cheesy and creamy but made without a drop of cream!
Baked Macaroni Cheese with Chicken & BROCCOLI (One Pot)

Life of Dozer

This is how he leaps into the water – eyes tightly closed and nose up. If he were human, he’d be holding his nose and wearing goggles. For sure.

Previous Post
Outrageous Nutella Brownies
Next Post
Caprese Salad

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative!

Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Related Posts

Close up of freshly made Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

Bangers and Mash (Sausage with Onion Gravy) on a plate with mashed potato and peas

Bangers and Mash (Sausage with Onion Gravy)

Showing how tender the flesh is of the 12 Hour Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder

Ultimate Roast Lamb: 12-hour lamb shoulder

More Winter Warmers

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cooked this? Rate this recipe!




261 Comments

  1. Michelle says

    April 3, 2022 at 4:17 pm

    Oh so good! I added shredded rotisserie chicken towards the end instead of raw at the beginning.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 4, 2022 at 8:18 pm

      Woo hoo I am glad you liked it Michelle!! N x

      Reply
  2. Serena Purslow says

    February 21, 2022 at 3:19 am

    5 stars
    Brilliant we all loved it easy to make will make again.

    Reply
  3. Nishie says

    February 11, 2022 at 12:34 pm

    5 stars
    This was so so good! Easy weeknight recipe and toddler approved! Nice to switch up the rice and chicken casserole. I tenderized and the chicken and seasoned it with s&p, Italian, garlic powder and a sprinkle of cayenne. I used 3 no chicken breasts and cut them up into very small bite sized pieces. Using a stainless steel pot I ended up simmering the rice for 15min on simmer for fear it would burn or stick it came out perfect! Just check it. The broccoli took more like 4-5 minutes I ended up stirring it in. I only had jalapeño mozzarella on hand and oh my it was so good! Gave it a little kick! Thank you for this, will be making again!!

    Reply
  4. Martha says

    February 10, 2022 at 9:39 am

    4 stars
    simple meals for picky eaters. Aside from the thyme (because they are that picky 🙂 I followed the recipe to the T and my 3yr old and 6 yr old both ate without turning up their nose. I would recommend cutting the chicken a bit smaller. This meal was made specific for the kids and they loved it enough to ask for more. gave it a 4 star as i believe it is missing something but will need to make it again to see what that is. Overall not bad at all

    Reply
  5. Nicole says

    January 2, 2022 at 8:19 pm

    Can I double this in the same pot? Or should I use a second pot?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      January 4, 2022 at 2:49 pm

      Hi Nicole – a second pot is always safer in one pot recipes as they depend on liquid evaporation rates. N x

      Reply
  6. Carmen says

    October 19, 2021 at 5:04 pm

    5 stars
    Super tasty & flavourful.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 20, 2021 at 9:29 am

      Thank you! N x

      Reply
  7. Erin Williams says

    October 12, 2021 at 12:21 pm

    5 stars
    So good! I used the chicken breast I had and didn’t have as much broccoli as I thought so subbed part zucchini and it was so easy! Also seasoned with lots more pepper and garlic powder and cayenne! So creamy and flavorful, new favorite and just discovered you and are loving all your recipes! Thank you!!!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      October 13, 2021 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks! N x

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    October 2, 2021 at 7:55 pm

    5 stars
    Was flicking through your website this morning looking for inspiration for easy Saturday night comfort food after 3+ months of Sydney lockdown (really sick of cooking for myself now). Found this and boom! That I can freeze the leftovers is a double bonus. Thanks yet again Nagi x

    Reply
  9. Joni Cornell says

    September 30, 2021 at 1:58 pm

    I made this for the first time. A cheat’s risotto actually, which turned out lovely. I cooked the rice and brocolli for around 10 minutes longer. Without adding additional broth. I used a baked enamel pot and turned the heat very low.
    Love all your recipes Nagi. Thank you.

    Reply
  10. John says

    August 23, 2021 at 7:55 pm

    I want your magic world where rice cooks in 15 minutes and broccoli cooks in 3…. 25 minutes later, adding more water this better taste good. Otherwise this is the last time my wife hands me an internet recipe.

    Reply
  11. Han says

    August 20, 2021 at 11:13 pm

    5 stars
    I’m out of rice but I do have orzo, is it possible to make this recipe with that instead?

    Reply
  12. Jan says

    August 20, 2021 at 10:13 am

    5 stars
    Creamy, cheesy, chickeny broccoli and rice! What’s not to like?
    As I’d scaled down the recipe for 2 people I cooked in a saucepan as my Le Crueset is too big for the quantities. No sticking though, so I’m happy. Garlic bread on the side, delicious 😋

    Reply
  13. Holly says

    June 3, 2021 at 9:02 am

    5 stars
    My family enjoyed this. I cooked this in my Dutch oven – the rice and broccoli was cooked perfectly as written. It was just a touch underseasoned, an easy fix once plated.

    Thanks Nagi!

    Holly x

    Reply
  14. Brent says

    May 30, 2021 at 5:32 am

    5 stars
    Amazing! Researched dozens of cheesy rice & chicken recipes and chose this one and glad I did.

    I used 2 cups of long grain rice and then upped the butter to 4 tbsp, 5 tbsp of flour, 3 1/4 cups of milk & chicken stock.

    Rice cooked perfectly in 15 minutes & the browning of the cheese under the broiler makes it that much better.

    5 out of 5 for sure!

    Reply
  15. Carly says

    April 21, 2021 at 9:58 am

    5 stars
    We made this last night and it was delicious. Easy, tasty and all in one pot so little cleaning up. We cooked this in a Le Creuset dutch oven and had no problems with it sticking to the bottom. Love your work Nagi!

    Reply
  16. Marilyn Boes says

    April 16, 2021 at 10:57 am

    5 stars
    This is a huge hit with my family and is now in the regular rotation. I always have problems with rice (it HAS to be me and I am aware of this) so I partially precooked the rice in the microwave). Otherwise, followed the recipe to the letter and my husband is still raving about it. Thanks for a great recipe!

    Reply
  17. Nicole says

    April 6, 2021 at 9:21 pm

    Oh dear, made this tonight and like some of the comments suggested, rice stuck at the bottom! I am using stainless steel pot. Maybe I’ll stick to orzo next time.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      April 7, 2021 at 10:28 am

      Hi Nicole, sorry you had issues here – it could be for a number of reasons such as the pot type, heat a little too high or timing – N x

      Reply
    • Diana says

      December 24, 2021 at 8:38 am

      Can you make this without the chicken?

      Reply
Older Comments

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm Nagi!

I believe you can make great food with everyday ingredients even if you’re short on time and cost conscious. You just need to cook clever and get creative! Read More

Free Recipe eBooks

Join my free email list to receive THREE free cookbooks!

Meet Dozer

Official taste tester of RecipeTin Eats! Meet Dozer
As Featured On

What's for Dinner?

Close up of beef enchiladas in a baking dish, fresh out of the oven

Beef Enchiladas

Butter Chicken served over basmati rice in a bowl, ready to be served

Butter Chicken

Overhead photo of 2 black bowls with Chinese Chicken Salad with Asian Dressing, ready to be eaten

Chinese Chicken Salad

Salisbury Steak recipe in skillet.

Salisbury Steak with Mushroom Gravy

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken - 7 ingredient magic. The coconut fragrance is heavenly! recipetineats.com

Vietnamese Coconut Caramel Chicken

Fast prep. Big flavours!

Never miss a recipe

Back to Top
  • Related
  • RecipeTin Japan
  • Food Bloggers Center
  • Help
  • Contact Us
  • Image Use
  • Privacy Policy & Terms
Site Credits Maintained by Zao Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled © RecipeTin Eats 2022 · All Rights Reserved Back to Top