Sizzling Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe for Dinner

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this creamy cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake that promises to satisfy your deepest hunger pangs.

Tender chicken chunks nestle perfectly among vibrant green broccoli florets and fluffy rice.

Every forkful delivers a harmonious blend of rich, melted cheese and hearty ingredients.

The dish combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a standout meal for busy weeknights.

Nutritious vegetables and protein-packed chicken create a balanced, wholesome dinner that everyone will devour.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to dig into this irresistible one-pan wonder.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe has become a mealtime favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake Ingredients You Need

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides hearty flavor and satisfying texture, choose boneless skinless breasts for easiest preparation.
• Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs delicious cooking liquids, opt for long-grain white rice for best absorption and consistent texture.

• Onion: Aromatic foundation that adds depth and sweetness to the dish, select fresh firm onions with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that intensifies overall taste profile, choose plump cloves with smooth skin.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and highlights other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Luxurious binding agent that creates rich, velvety sauce, select low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Chicken Broth: Moisture provider that helps cook rice and infuse additional savory notes, choose low-sodium varieties for healthier option.
• Broccoli: Vibrant green vegetable adding nutrition and color, pick fresh crisp florets with deep green color.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty topping that provides tangy richness, select sharp cheddar for more pronounced flavor.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds bright finishing touch, choose bright green leaves with no wilting.
• Olive Oil: Cooking medium that prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor, use extra virgin for best taste.

Cookware and Prep Tools for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake

• Large Oven-Proof Skillet: Essential for cooking and baking the entire dish in one pan.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping onions, chicken, and parsley safely.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring rice, broth, and other ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Broiler (in oven): Necessary for melting and browning the cheese topping.
• Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if you're grating fresh cheddar cheese.

Easy Steps to Bake Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice

• Sizzling Chicken Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet, toss in onions and chicken. Cook until chicken develops a golden-brown exterior, creating a delicious foundation for your meal.

• Flavor Explosion

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken, add a burst of minced garlic. Let the aromas mingle and intensify for a quick moment.

• Rice and Liquid Magic

Pour in uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and broth. Let everything simmer and dance together, allowing the rice to absorb all the rich flavors.

• Veggie Power

Introduce broccoli florets and a handful of cheese into the skillet. Let the ingredients get cozy and start to soften, creating a harmonious blend.

• Cheesy Finale

Top the dish with a generous sprinkle of remaining cheese. Slide under the broiler, watching as the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

• Fresh Finish

Pull the skillet from the oven and crown your creation with a scattering of fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Cheesy Chicken Bake Tips and Add-In Ideas

• Protein Power Switch: Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a quick flavor transformation without changing the recipe's core structure.
• Rice Remix: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add a delightful nutty undertone to the dish. Just adjust cooking liquid and time accordingly.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach to increase nutritional density and create a more colorful meal.
• Spice Adventure: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack for heat, gruyere for richness, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire skillet earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Cover with foil and add an extra 10-15 minutes to cooking time to ensure everything heats evenly.

Serving Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bake Like a Weeknight Winner

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Transform this hearty cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake into the star of your family meal, perfect for gathering everyone around the table with its comforting aroma and delicious layers.
• Balanced Plate Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to add extra nutrition and create a well-rounded meal that satisfies both taste and health goals.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare this skillet bake in advance and store in refrigerator for easy reheating during busy weeknights, making dinner preparation a breeze for tired home cooks.
• Leftover Love Transformation: Turn remaining portions into exciting lunch wraps by stuffing mixture into tortillas or using as a filling for stuffed bell peppers, giving new life to delicious leftovers.

Keep Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Ready to Go

• Smart Meal Prep: Dice chicken and chop broccoli ahead of time to reduce cooking prep by 10-15 minutes. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer leftover casserole into airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay fresh and tasty for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or entire dish tightly with aluminum foil and plastic wrap. Frozen chicken and rice bake maintains excellent quality for 2-3 months when stored correctly at 0°F.
• Reheating Hack: Splash a little extra chicken broth when warming leftovers to restore moisture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, or reheat in oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

Hearty Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and broccoli rice bake delivers comfort through creamy cheese and wholesome ingredients. Satisfying layers of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese create a delightful meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 chicken fillets, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10 oz or 280 g) cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups (480 mL) low sodium chicken broth
• 0.75 cup (180 mL) uncooked rice
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauté Preparation: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium flame, searing chopped onions and cubed chicken until achieving golden-brown edges and releasing rich, caramelized flavors.
2. Seasoning Integration: Enhance the sizzling protein with salt, pepper, and minced garlic, creating a robust aromatic foundation that penetrates the chicken’s surface with intense flavor profiles.
3. Liquid and Grain Fusion: Combine uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth, stirring methodically to ensure even distribution and consistent moisture throughout the culinary composition.
4. Rice Transformation: Reduce heat, cover skillet, and allow contents to simmer, occasionally redistributing to prevent adherence and promote uniform cooking until rice reaches perfect tenderness and liquid completely absorbs.
5. Vegetable and Cheese Incorporation: Delicately fold broccoli florets and half the cheddar cheese into the mixture, allowing vegetables to soften while maintaining their vibrant green essence and crisp structural integrity.
6. Final Cheese Melting: Generously sprinkle remaining cheddar across the surface, then transfer skillet to broiler, monitoring closely as cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown crust that promises delectable texture and visual appeal.
7. Serving Presentation: Remove from oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while cheese remains luxuriously molten and ingredients radiate appetizing warmth.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Sticking: Stir frequently and use a non-stick skillet to avoid rice burning or clumping during cooking process.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Watch broiler closely to achieve perfect golden-brown cheese topping without burning the surface.
• Broccoli Texture Control: Add broccoli later in cooking to maintain crisp, bright green color and prevent overcooking or turning mushy.
• Flavor Enhancement: Use freshly minced garlic and quality cheddar cheese to elevate overall taste and richness of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg