If you’re like me and love meals that are cozy, fuss-free, and just plain delicious, this One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is going to become one of your new favorites. I absolutely love how everything cooks together in one dish, making clean-up a breeze and the flavors meld into pure comfort food magic. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single dish, which means minimal prep and cleanup.
- All-In-One Comfort: Chicken, broccoli, and creamy rice come together for a filling, balanced meal.
- Customizable Flavors: Easy to tweak with your favorite herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly and Family Approved: My family can’t get enough of this simple crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe are straightforward but work wonderfully together to create that creamy, savory, hearty dish you’ll crave again and again. When shopping, fresh chicken and good quality frozen broccoli will make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
- Cream of chicken soup: This brings the creamy base that holds the dish together—look for condensed for the best consistency.
- Chicken broth, water, or milk: I usually use chicken broth for extra flavor but water works in a pinch.
- Uncooked long grain white rice: It cooks with the chicken and broccoli for perfectly tender grains.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Dice into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Frozen baby broccoli florets: I love frozen for convenience and consistent texture—no chopping needed!
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that melty, golden finish that takes this dish over the top.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Season to your taste—don’t be shy here!
- Optional herbs and seasoning: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, basil, or parsley really boost the flavor.
- Optional garnish: Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme brighten the final presentation.
Variations
I love keeping this One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe flexible because sometimes I just want to switch things up a bit. You can easily tailor it to what’s in your fridge or your mood—and I encourage you to play around with flavors!
- Swap proteins: I’ve made this with chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness—totally worth it!
- Add different veggies: Try swapping broccoli for green beans or adding mushrooms for a twist.
- Go dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cream soup and omit the cheese or sub a plant-based cheese to fit your needs.
- Spice it up: Toss in some chili flakes or smoked paprika if you want a little kick—you’ll love the depth it adds!
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Base
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give your baking dish a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to avoid any sticking later. Then, in that dish, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup with your choice of chicken broth (or water). This creates that velvety, rich base that the rice will soak up.
Step 2: Add Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli
Once your base is smooth, stir in your uncooked rice, diced raw chicken, and frozen broccoli. Season with salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices you like. I usually throw in garlic powder and onion powder, sometimes parsley or thyme if I’m feeling fancy. Give it a good stir so everything gets evenly coated—that’s how the flavors will really come together.
Step 3: Bake Covered Until Tender and Juicy
Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 55-60 minutes. This part is key because the rice needs time to absorb all those savory juices while the chicken cooks through and broccoli softens. After about an hour, check to see if the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. If not, cover it back up and bake 5-10 minutes longer, but watch carefully so the rice doesn’t get mushy.
Step 4: Cheese It Up and Serve
Once everything is cooked, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top and return the dish to the oven for a few minutes more, just until the cheese melts and gets that beautiful gooey finish. Add some fresh chopped herbs for color and brightness if you like, then serve immediately. Trust me, you and everyone at your table will be delighted.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
- Choose the Right Rice: Stick with long grain white rice for even cooking—brown rice usually needs longer and might dry out the bake.
- Watch Your Liquid Ratio: I learned adding the right amount of broth or water is vital; too much makes it soggy, too little leaves the rice undercooked.
- Don’t Skip the Foil Cover: Sealing the dish traps steam and ensures tender veggies and juicy chicken.
- Timing is Everything: If your rice isn’t tender at 60 minutes, add short increments of time rather than guessing—this avoids mushiness.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish this bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme because it adds a pop of color and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. A little cracked black pepper or a dusting of paprika on top also makes it look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is pretty much a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, I love pairing it with a crisp simple salad or roasted carrots. Sometimes, a warm crusty bread or garlic knots are welcome for sopping up that cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties or family gatherings, I’ve served this dish family-style straight out of the baking pan, garnished with edible flowers or fresh herb sprigs for that extra wow effect. You can also portion it into individual ramekins for a cute, personal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually portion it out right away so it’s easy to grab for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe successfully by letting it cool completely, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat—just note that the texture can be a tiny bit softer, but still tasty and satisfying.
Reheating
When reheating, I cover the dish loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the chicken moist and rice fluffy. You can microwave it too; just add a splash of broth or water and cover the container to trap the steam.
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe?
You can, but brown rice usually needs a longer cooking time and more liquid, so you’d need to adjust accordingly. I’ve found that using brown rice might require pre-cooking or a longer bake to ensure it becomes tender without drying out the chicken.
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What’s the best way to make sure the chicken cooks evenly in this recipe?
Dice the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate. Also, covering the bake tightly with foil traps steam and helps everything cook evenly. I usually avoid large chunks to prevent uneven cooking.
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Can I make this recipe in advance and bake it later?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to a day ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. Just give it a little extra time in the oven if the ingredients are chilled.
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Is it okay to use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works well too; just chop it into bite-size pieces. However, you might want to slightly reduce the baking time or add a splash of extra liquid because fresh broccoli can release different amounts of moisture.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe holds a special place in my recipe box because it’s the ultimate no-fuss meal that still feels like a warm hug at dinner time. I remember the first time I tried it; the ease and flavor blew me away, and it quickly became a family staple. If you’re looking for something that’s straightforward, adaptable, and downright tasty, give it a go—I promise it won’t disappoint!
Print
One-Pan Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy cheddar-infused sauce, this casserole is baked to perfection in under 70 minutes. It’s an easy, wholesome, and family-friendly dish that requires minimal prep and clean-up.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth, water, or milk
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 lb. uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 (12.6 oz) bag frozen baby broccoli florets (or cuts)
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Seasonings and Garnish
- Garlic powder (about ¼ teaspoon)
- Onion powder (about ¼ teaspoon)
- Optional herbs: paprika, thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, chives, parsley, or seasoned salt
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Mix Ingredients: In the prepared dish, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup with the chicken broth, water, or milk until smooth. Stir in the uncooked rice, diced chicken, and frozen broccoli florets.
- Season: Season the mixture with about ½ teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Add any additional herbs and spices you like, such as ¼ teaspoon garlic powder and ¼ teaspoon onion powder, or other herbs like parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, and chives. Mix everything well to combine evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender, and the chicken is fully cooked through. If after 60 minutes the rice is still firm, cover again and bake an additional 5-10 minutes, being careful to avoid overcooking.
- Add Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Finish Baking: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for a few more minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- This recipe is a convenient all-in-one dish where chicken, broccoli, and rice cook together, minimizing cleanup and effort.
- You can customize the seasonings and herbs based on your preference for added flavor.
- Use chicken broth instead of water or milk for enhanced depth of flavor in the casserole.
- Ensure the dish is tightly covered with foil during baking to retain moisture and cook the rice thoroughly.
- If you prefer a milder cheese topping, substitute sharp cheddar with a milder variety like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 406 kcal
- Sugar: 2.7 g
- Sodium: 995 mg
- Fat: 6.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 47 g
- Fiber: 3.2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 82 mg