Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes); 1 small onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¾ cup rice (uncooked, long grain preferred); 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese (divided)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 6 reviews

If you’re hunting for a cozy, comforting dish that’s easy to whip up and tastes like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re going to love this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe. It’s one of those all-in-one casseroles that feels fancy but comes together with minimal fuss. Creamy, cheesy, packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice—what more could you want? Trust me, once you make this, it’ll probably become a go-to weeknight favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

All-in-One Convenience: This bake combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one skillet, which means fewer dishes and less hassle.
Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The creamy chicken soup and sharp cheddar cheese marry beautifully with tender broccoli and fluffy rice for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Customizable and Flexible: You can swap or add ingredients easily to match your pantry or preferences without losing the magic.
Quick Yet Satisfying: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights but feels like a special meal.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake, easy chicken casserole, creamy broccoli rice bake, weeknight comfort food, 30-minute dinner - The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white speckled pan filled with a cheesy mixture. The dish has two main layers: at the bottom, tender pieces of light brown chicken mixed with white rice; on top, bright green broccoli florets are scattered evenly. A thick layer of melted yellow cheese covers the whole dish, with some green herbs sprinkled on top. A metal spoon lifts a portion, showing the mix of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese together. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe really comes down to simple, wholesome ingredients working together to create big flavor without any fuss. A little olive oil starts the base, onions and garlic build depth, and the creamy soup plus broth ensure the rice cooks perfectly while staying moist. Oh, and that melty cheddar? It’s what ties everything into a cozy cheesy blanket.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake, easy chicken casserole, creamy broccoli rice bake, weeknight comfort food, 30-minute dinner - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a whole small onion with papery skin, two raw chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black peppercorns, four whole garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked long grain rice, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a mound of fresh broccoli florets, a small pile of shredded cheddar cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley 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: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps sauté the chicken and onions without sticking.
Onion: Brings sweetness and savory depth when cooked down.
Chicken Breasts: The main protein—cut small for quick, even cooking and tender bites.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all flavors.
Garlic: Just the right punch for aroma and flavor; don’t overcook to avoid bitterness.
Rice: Long-grain like Basmati works best here for fluffy, separate grains.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The secret creamy binder that makes the casserole irresistibly luscious.
Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): Keeps the rice cooking moist while controlling saltiness.
Broccoli Florets: Adds freshness, crunch, and color—steamed gently in the casserole.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty, it brings that classic comfort food cheesiness.
Fresh Parsley: A bright finishing touch adding freshness and a pop of green.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I adore about this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Depending on what you have on hand or the season, you can jazz it up, tone it down, or adapt it for different diets. I like to experiment with different cheeses or toss in extra veggies whenever I’m feeling adventurous.

Variation: Sometimes I swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or mozzarella to get a milder, gooey melt that my kids love.
Adding Veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or even cauliflower make a great addition—feel free to toss in whatever you have!
Brown Rice Swap: Using brown rice works, but keep in mind it needs more liquid and a longer cooking time, about 40 minutes instead of 15.
Dairy-Free Option: Try using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and your favorite plant-based cheese for a lactose-free version.

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

Step 1: Sauté Onions and Chicken Until Just Perfect

Start by heating olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and cubed chicken. You want to cook this for about 5 minutes—enough so the chicken begins to brown but isn’t fully cooked (no pink should remain). Season generously with salt and pepper here to build flavor from the start. Then stir in garlic and quickly cook for another 30 seconds until you catch that irresistible garlicky aroma. Tip: keep the heat on medium so the garlic doesn’t burn or it’ll turn bitter fast.

Step 2: Stir in Rice, Soup, and Broth

Next, add in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together so the rice gets evenly coated and begins absorbing that rich liquid. The soup adds creaminess that’s signature to this bake, while the broth keeps everything moist. Start with 2 cups of broth, but keep some more nearby in case your rice needs a little extra liquid to finish cooking perfectly.

Step 3: Simmer the Rice to Fluffy Tenderness

Bring this mixture to a simmer, then cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and check moisture levels. Taste your rice near the end of cooking; it should be tender but not mushy. If it feels too firm and the pot looks dry, add a splash more broth and keep cooking. This is your chance to season with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Cheese for the Grand Finale

Fold in the broccoli florets and half of your shredded cheddar, stirring gently. Let the heat soften the broccoli for about 2 minutes — you want it tender but still a little crisp, not mushy. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and pop the entire skillet under your broiler for a few minutes. Keep a close eye so the cheese melts and just starts to brown; this adds that mouthwatering golden crust that makes it feel extra special.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve Hot

Finally, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve this dish hot—it’s best enjoyed right out of the pan with a cheesy, creamy, and slightly crispy top layer. You’re going to love that creamy chicken and broccoli combo with every bite.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Use a Heavy Skillet: I prefer a cast-iron skillet because it distributes heat evenly and works perfectly under the broiler without warping.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken Initially: Cooking until just browned keeps the chicken juicy and helps it finish cooking with the rice.
Add Broccoli Last: Adding the broccoli near the end prevents it from turning mushy and keeps its bright color.
Watch the Broiler Closely: Cheese can go from perfect to burnt in seconds; stay by the oven and pull it out as soon as it bubbles and browns lightly.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake, easy chicken casserole, creamy broccoli rice bake, weeknight comfort food, 30-minute dinner - The dish is served on a white plate with a textured rim. It has one main layer featuring pieces of cooked chicken, small bright green broccoli florets, and creamy yellow melted cheese mixed with rice. The food looks soft and warm with fresh green chopped herbs sprinkled on top. A shiny silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this bake with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley because it adds just the right bit of brightness and color contrast. Sometimes I also dust a little smoked paprika or cracked black pepper on top if I want an extra punch of flavor and a bit of visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Since this is a hearty one-pot meal on its own, I usually keep sides light and fresh—think a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted carrots. A simple garlic bread or crusty baguette also pairs beautifully if you’re craving something to scoop up that extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe in individual ramekins with a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs on top—it feels fancy but is still super comfy. Another fun way is to layer it in a clear glass casserole dish so you can wow guests with all the cheesy layers peeking through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and pop them in the fridge right away. This bake keeps well for up to 3 days and often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded even more. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole occasionally, especially after step 2—cooked chicken, rice, and liquids mixed but before adding broccoli and cheese. Freeze it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before finishing the bake. Just be sure to add the broccoli fresh when reheating so it stays vibrant.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep it moist, for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. If you want that fresh-baked crispy cheese top, remove the foil last few minutes. Alternatively, a microwave works fine for a quick lunch, but the oven method preserves texture best.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the broccoli dry before adding it to the casserole so it doesn’t add extra moisture, which could make the bake watery.
Is it okay to use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but keep in mind brown rice takes a lot longer to cook—about 40-45 minutes—and will require more liquid. If you’re in a hurry, stick to long-grain white rice or try quick-cooking rice varieties.
Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap out the cream of chicken soup for a dairy-free version and use plant-based cheese substitutes. Just note the taste and meltability might be a bit different but still delicious.
How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the initial sauté or mix in some diced jalapeños with the broccoli for a subtle kick. Hot sauce on the side works great too!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe is a lifesaver when I want something hearty, flavorful, and simple. It’s perfect for those nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles around the dinner table and leaves everyone asking for seconds. So grab your skillet, and let’s get baking!