There's something incredibly cozy about a dish that's creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli, all baked together for a warm, comforting meal. This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is exactly that — simple to pull together, satisfying, and perfect for those nights when you want a wholesome dinner without the fuss.

This image shows a creamy casserole in a round pan with layers of soft white rice mixed with light beige chicken pieces and bright green broccoli florets. The top layer is a melted yellow and white cheese blend that covers the rice and broccoli, with some fresh green parsley sprinkled on top. A shiny silver spoon is scooping a portion, showing the same layers close together inside it. The pan sits on a dark textured surface that is changed to white marbled texture. The food looks warm and cheesy with a mix of smooth and slightly textured parts. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home to this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe after a long day, and it never disappoints. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug — creamy, cheesy, and packed with just the right amount of veggies and protein. Plus, it’s all made in one pot, which means minimal cleanup (a huge win in my book).

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, cutting down on dirty dishes and making dinner prep stress-free.
Comfort Food Classic: The creamy chicken, melted cheddar, and tender broccoli all blend perfectly for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it fits perfectly into busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Adaptable: You can easily adjust veggies or cheese types to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

A spoon lifts a mix of creamy white rice, bright green broccoli florets, and pieces of light beige chicken from a black pan. The dish is topped with melted cheese that is golden yellow and stretches from the spoon in thin strings. The broccoli adds a fresh, crisp texture, contrasting with the soft rice and tender chicken. The whole tray of food in the pan shows more layers of rice, cheese, chicken, and broccoli, all coated in a smooth, creamy sauce. The background is a simple white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe thrives on simple, wholesome ingredients that harmonize beautifully. The creamy soup acts as a binder, the rice soaks up flavors making it tender, and the broccoli adds freshness and a pop of color. Here’s a quick rundown on why these ingredients are star players.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of low sodium chicken broth, two raw chicken breasts cut into small cubes placed directly on the surface, a small white ceramic bowl of finely chopped white onion, four cloves of fresh garlic whole and unpeeled, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked white rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy pale yellow cream of chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of bright green broccoli florets, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded orange cheddar cheese, one clean whole brown egg with shell intact, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly chopped green parsley, a pinch of salt and black pepper sprinkled neatly on the marble surface in perfect symmetry, all ingredients fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps brown the chicken and onion nicely while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t skip this aromatic base!
Chicken Breasts: Cubed for quick cooking, they remain juicy and tender throughout the bake.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning essentials that bring out all the dish’s natural flavors.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds that irresistible punch of aroma and taste with every bite.
Rice: The heart of the bake, it absorbs all the delicious liquid, turning fluffy and flavorful.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry favorite turns the dish velvety smooth and richly comforting.
Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and moisture for perfectly cooked rice without dryness.
Broccoli Florets: Provides color, crunch, and a healthy dose of greens—plus its mild flavor balances the richness well.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty, and golden brown on top, it gives the bake that crave-worthy cheesy finish.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herbal note and a pretty garnish that lifts the whole dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love switching things up depending on what’s in season or what I’m craving. This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is incredibly flexible, and you can easily tweak it to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Variation: I sometimes swap broccoli for cauliflower or add mushrooms for a different veggie vibe, which adds an extra earthy flavor and texture that my family adores.
Dairy-Free Option: Using a dairy-free cheese and coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup gives it a wonderful twist for those avoiding dairy.
Spice it Up: If you like a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika with the garlic for subtle heat.
Make it Whole Grain: Try brown rice for a nuttier flavor and a boost in fiber — just be sure to increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Step-by-Step: How I Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cubed chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken just starts to brown and is no longer pink inside. Add a pinch of salt and pepper here to season early. Next, mix in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds—that quick burst releases all that amazing garlicky aroma without burning.

Step 2: Add Rice and Liquids

Once your chicken and onions are set, pour in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Stir everything together so the rice is evenly distributed and coated in the creamy mixture. This base makes sure your rice will be flavorful and tender.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Bring the skillet to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover it tightly. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the rice isn’t quite tender after this time, feel free to add a splash more broth and continue cooking until done. Give it a quick taste to see if it needs salt or pepper—season to your preference!

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese

Stir in the broccoli florets along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Let this cook for 2 more minutes next to the warmth of the stove top to soften the broccoli just a bit. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top and pop the skillet under your broiler for just a couple of minutes—watch carefully so the cheese melts and develops a lovely golden brown crust.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and a hit of herbal freshness. Serve it straight from the skillet and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe truly shine every time, and I’m excited to share them so your version turns out just as perfect!

Rice Doneness: Check your rice about 15 minutes in by tasting a grain; if it’s still firm with a bite, add a splash of broth and give it a few more minutes covered.
Broccoli Timing: Add broccoli last so it stays bright green and retains a nice texture—not mushy.
Broiler Watch: When melting the cheese under the broiler, keep a close eye. It can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly!
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: I always double-check my skillet is oven-proof to safely move from stove to broiler without transferring to another dish, simplifying cleanup.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

cheesy chicken broccoli - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with freshly chopped parsley—it adds a pop of green and fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar or even a pinch of smoked paprika just before serving to bring out smoky warmth.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad, like a bright lemon vinaigrette spinach salad or a cucumber-tomato salad to add freshness and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this bake in individual mini cast iron skillets or ramekins. It feels a little more festive and cozy, plus everyone gets their own perfectly cheesy personal portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Just keep in mind the texture of broccoli might soften after freezing, but the flavors remain fantastic.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems dry. This keeps the rice moist and the chicken tender without overcooking the broccoli.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli in the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe?

Yes! Frozen broccoli works just fine. Just add it right before the last cooking stage, and cook it a few extra minutes so it fully heats through and softens slightly.

What type of rice is best for this bake?

I recommend white long grain rice because it cooks evenly and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, but you can experiment with brown rice if you increase the cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative (or homemade), use dairy-free cheese styles, and substitute olive oil or a dairy-free butter for sautéing. The dish will still be deliciously creamy.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the skillet?

Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking and use enough chicken broth to keep the rice moist. Using a non-stick or well-seasoned oven-safe skillet also helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it hits all the marks — hearty, cheesy, quick, and wholesome. I highly recommend giving it a try next time you want dinner that feels homemade but comes together effortlessly. Honestly, once you make it, I bet you'll come back to it again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite!