Weeknights can be hectic, but dinner doesn’t have to be. With this One Pot Chicken Broccoli and Rice, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying meal on the table in no time—all without the hassle of extra dishes. Everything cooks together in just one pot, and there’s no need for any “cream of” soups here. You’ll love the homemade sauce that uses real ingredients and flavors the whole family will enjoy.

Try our Old Fashioned American Goulash or our Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole for more delicious weeknight meals.

Why Our Recipe

  • Everything cooks together in just one pot. Perfect for those hectic weeknights!
  • Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying—it’s comfort food in a bowl.
  • Creamy sauce with absolutely no “cream of” anything.
Overhead view of a pot filled with creamy chicken broccoli casserole.

This one-pot wonder is the ultimate comfort meal. It’s a full meal that the whole family will love, and as a bonus, a one-pot meal means that you get to avoid washing tons of dishes afterward. Whether it’s the middle of winter and you want something that tastes cozy, or you’re sick of drive-thrus, our One Pot Chicken Broccoli & Rice will knock it out of the park.

Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Cut into cubes.
  • Rice: We use long-grain white rice.
  • Broccoli: Fresh broccoli keeps a crisper bite, but frozen broccoli florets work too.
  • Broth: Use a lower-sodium option if desired, or make your own broth using bullion cubes or seasoning.
  • Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is our go-to for the strongest flavor.
  • Olive Oil and Butter: This combo adds depth to the flavor and helps brown the chicken nicely.
  • White Onion: Diced white onion brings a mild, sweet flavor. Yellow onion can be substituted if needed.
  • Garlic: If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
  • Flour: All-purpose flour is used to thicken the sauce, giving it that creamy consistency. Make sure to cook it with the rice to get rid of the raw flour taste.
  • Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish without being too heavy. Whole milk works best, but you can substitute with 2% or even a non-dairy option like almond milk if needed.
  • Dried Thyme and Oregano: Feel free to adjust the amounts to your taste, or swap in Italian seasoning if you prefer.

Sauce Thickness

The sauce can be thicker or thinner depending on your preference. If it’s thick and you want to thin it out, add more broth 1/4 cup at a time, stirring in between until you’ve reached your sauce perfection.

To thicken, mix 1 tablespoon of flour with 1/4 cup of milk (making sure it’s fully blended and there are no lumps), then pour the mixture into the pot a little at a time, stirring between, until you’ve reached your desired consistency.

Close up view of lots of melted cheese on top of creamy chicken broccoli casserole.

Make it a Freezer Meal

Allow the dish to cool completely. Once cooled, into individual freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top of each container, as the food will expand slightly when frozen. Label each container with the date and contents, then store them in the freezer for up to 3 months

When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw an individual portion in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the mixture seems too thick. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warmed through.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat portions in the microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring in between for even heating.