Irresistible One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole: A Comforting Delight for the Whole Family!

One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole – Welcome to a mouthwatering recipe that brings together the perfect combination of flavors and textures in one pot. This One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. It’s a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, nutritious broccoli, and gooey melted cheese. This recipe is not only easy to make but also brings a unique twist to the classic casserole, making it a must-try for everyone seeking a hearty and delicious meal.

In my household, this One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole has become a beloved favorite. I remember the first time I made it for my husband and little family—it was an instant hit. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the kitchen as I cooked the chicken to perfection. The anticipation built as I added the creamy milk, flavorful chicken broth, and fragrant thyme to the pot. Finally, when the melted cheese blanketed the casserole under the grill, our mouths were watering with anticipation. The moment we took our first bites, we knew we had discovered a new staple for our family dinners. This recipe has since become a regular request, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why This One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is a Must-Try?

• Unique Combination: This recipe brings together the flavors of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in a single pot, resulting in a perfect blend of tastes and textures.
• Easy One Pot Wonder: With just one pot and a few simple steps, you can create a complete and satisfying meal that saves both time and effort in the kitchen.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The addition of milk and your choice of shredded cheese gives this casserole a luscious and creamy texture, making it a comfort food delight.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize this recipe by using your favorite herbs, cheese, or even substituting chicken with other proteins like turkey or tofu.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with the goodness of broccoli, this casserole not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides essential nutrients for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 500g (1 lb.) boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2.5 tablespoons flour (or 1 ½ tablespoons corn flour/cornstarch)
• 2 cups (500 ml) milk (any variety, low fat works well)
• 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups (225g) long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or herb of choice)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large head of broccoli, broken or cut into small florets (approximately 400-500g / 14 oz. – 1 lb.)
• 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• Finely chopped parsley for optional garnish

Directions:

In a pot over high heat, melt the butter and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.

Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they turn from pink to white.

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour, cooking for one minute.

Gradually add half of the milk while stirring, and once incorporated, add the rest of the milk, continuing to stir.

Pour in the chicken broth, uncooked rice, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 12 minutes.

Remove the lid, ensuring that there is still some liquid on the surface. Quickly add the broccoli to the pot, pushing it down to partially submerge it. Cover again and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender.

Preheat the grill/broiler. Remove the lid and stir in half of the shredded cheese. Don’t worry if it appears too saucy; the excess liquid will be absorbed shortly. Smooth the surface of the casserole and top it with the remaining cheese.

Place the pot under the grill/broiler until the cheese has melted and turned golden, or you can simply put the lid back on and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.

Serve the One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole immediately, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired.

Notes:

• Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
• If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.
• This casserole is versatile and forgiving, so feel free to add other veggies like carrots or peas for added color and flavor.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days and reheated when needed. However, note that the texture may be slightly different due to the absorption of liquid.

In conclusion, this One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is a true winner in every sense. Its enticing flavors, creamy texture, and wholesome ingredients make it a standout dish that will bring joy to your dinner table. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick and delicious meal or a food enthusiast seeking comfort and flavor, this recipe is a must-try.

With its simplicity and versatility, this casserole allows you to customize it to your liking. Add your favorite herbs, swap in different cheeses, or incorporate additional vegetables to make it your own. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

The personal story of how this recipe has become a cherished favorite in my household speaks volumes about its appeal and crowd-pleasing nature. The moments of anticipation, the mouthwatering aromas, and the shared enjoyment at the dinner table have made this casserole a cherished part of our family traditions.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the magic of this One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole unfold in your kitchen. It’s a dish that brings people together, warms the heart, and satisfies even the pickiest of eaters. Give it a try, and let the flavors transport you to a place of comfort and culinary delight.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast in this recipe. However, keep in mind that chicken breast tends to cook faster than chicken thighs, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice can be substituted for white rice, but note that the cooking time may be longer. Follow the instructions on the packaging for cooking brown rice and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Simply thaw the broccoli before adding it to the pot, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use your preferred cheese in this recipe. Whether you opt for mozzarella, cheddar, or another type, choose one that melts well for a gooey and delicious result.

One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole

Sacrlett

This One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole is a delightful dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. It's a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, nutritious broccoli, and gooey melted cheese.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Servings 5

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons 30g unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 500 g 1 lb. boneless chicken thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2.5 tablespoons flour or 1 ½ tablespoons corn flour/cornstarch
• 2 cups 500 ml milk (any variety, low fat works well)
• 2 cups 500 ml chicken broth
• 1 1/4 cups 225g long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or herb of choice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large head of broccoli broken or cut into small florets (approximately 400-500g / 14 oz. - 1 lb.)
• 2 cups 200g shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
• Finely chopped parsley for optional garnish

Instructions

 

• In a pot over high heat, melt the butter and heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant.
• Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they turn from pink to white.
• Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the flour, cooking for one minute.
• Gradually add half of the milk while stirring, and once incorporated, add the rest of the milk, continuing to stir.
• Pour in the chicken broth, uncooked rice, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 12 minutes.
• Remove the lid, ensuring that there is still some liquid on the surface. Quickly add the broccoli to the pot, pushing it down to partially submerge it. Cover again and cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the broccoli is just tender.
• Preheat the grill/broiler. Remove the lid and stir in half of the shredded cheese. Don't worry if it appears too saucy; the excess liquid will be absorbed shortly. Smooth the surface of the casserole and top it with the remaining cheese.
• Place the pot under the grill/broiler until the cheese has melted and turned golden, or you can simply put the lid back on and allow the residual heat to melt the cheese.
• Serve the One Pot Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole immediately, garnished with finely chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a sprinkle of paprika or some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables.

This casserole is versatile and forgiving, so feel free to add other veggies like carrots or peas for added color and flavor.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for a few days and reheated when needed. However, note that the texture may be slightly different due to the absorption of liquid.

Keyword One Pot Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Casserole