When I first discovered this One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. I was looking for a recipe that combined simplicity, nutrition, and incredible flavor—all without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward. The moment the casserole came out of the oven, the aroma of perfectly cooked broccoli, tender chickpeas, and fluffy rice filled the entire house. That first bite was a revelation: creamy, hearty, and comforting, yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week.

You will love this recipe for many reasons. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or even use different types of rice to suit your taste and pantry. It works equally well as a weeknight dinner, a meal prep option for busy days, or even a side dish for gatherings. The one-pan design keeps things simple, saving time and minimizing cleanup, which is always a bonus in a busy kitchen like mine.

Another reason this casserole is so appealing is that it’s affordable. Chickpeas, rice, and broccoli are budget-friendly ingredients, yet they come together to create a dish that feels indulgent and satisfying. Even when feeding a family or a group of friends, this recipe stretches nicely without stretching your wallet.

The ingredients for this casserole are straightforward and wholesome:

1 cup uncooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or lightly steamed
1 cup chicken ham, diced
4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, pepper, and spices to taste (such as paprika or thyme)

With these simple ingredients, you can create a meal that is not only nutritious but also comforting and delicious. The combination of protein from chickpeas and chicken ham, fiber from broccoli, and the satisfying texture of rice makes this casserole a complete dish that everyone at the table will enjoy.

How to Prepare This Recipe

Preparing the One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is straightforward, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend meals. The key is layering flavors carefully and cooking each ingredient to bring out its full potential. Here’s the detailed, step-by-step process to ensure every bite is delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to finish the casserole in the oven for a golden top. While the oven warms, gather all your ingredients. Rinsing the chickpeas thoroughly and chopping the broccoli into small, uniform florets ensures even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the dish.
Cook the Aromatics
In a large oven-safe pan or skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Using frequent stirring prevents the garlic from burning and developing a bitter taste.
Add Turkey Bacon and Chicken Ham
Toss in the chopped turkey bacon and diced chicken ham. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the turkey bacon begins to crisp slightly and the chicken ham warms through. This step infuses the base of your casserole with a smoky, savory flavor that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Combine Rice and Broth
Stir the uncooked rice into the pan, coating it in the oil, garlic, and onions. Pour in 2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred spices like paprika or thyme. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure that the rice is evenly distributed and submerged in the liquid.
Add Chickpeas and Broccoli
Gently fold in the rinsed chickpeas and broccoli florets. The broccoli can be lightly steamed beforehand if you prefer a softer texture, but it will also cook through during baking. Ensure the mixture is evenly spread in the pan, with rice at the bottom and vegetables and chickpeas distributed on top.
Cook on the Stovetop
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to monitor the rice’s progress. At this stage, the rice absorbs the flavors of the broth and aromatics, becoming tender and flavorful.
Optional Baking for a Golden Finish
If you want a crisp, golden top, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the casserole. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes. The cheese will melt and slightly brown, adding a deliciously savory finish.
Serve and Customize
Once cooked, remove the casserole from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the rice to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve. You can also customize the dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. For extra flavor, drizzle with a little olive oil or sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

Quick and Easy Tips

Use pre-cooked or canned chickpeas to save time.
Frozen broccoli works well and reduces prep time.
Adjust seasonings to taste for a milder or spicier dish.

This casserole is incredibly popular with many people because it balances texture, flavor, and nutrition. Chickpeas provide a satisfying bite, rice keeps it hearty, and broccoli adds freshness. The inclusion of turkey bacon and chicken ham adds a smoky, savory layer, making it a meal everyone at the table will enjoy. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to swap ingredients or add extras based on preference or availability.

With just one pan, minimal effort, and a few wholesome ingredients, this recipe delivers maximum flavor and convenience.

One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole

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This One Pan Chickpea Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty, nutritious, and flavorful dish that combines chickpeas, broccoli, rice, turkey bacon, and chicken ham in a single pan. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a comforting family meal. Its one-pan design keeps cleanup minimal while delivering maximum taste and satisfaction.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 35
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe pan over medium heat.
Sauté chopped onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Add turkey bacon and chicken ham, cooking 4–5 minutes until slightly crisp.
Stir in uncooked rice and coat with oil and aromatics.
Pour in broth and season with salt, pepper, and spices. Mix well.
Fold in chickpeas and broccoli, distributing evenly.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook 15–20 minutes on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Optional: sprinkle cheese on top and bake 10–15 minutes until golden.
Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Customize with other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini.

Adjust spices according to taste.

Use pre-cooked or canned chickpeas for a faster preparation.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the turkey bacon and chicken ham. You can add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, and consider using a plant-based cheese to keep it fully vegetarian.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice works well, but it requires a slightly longer cooking time and may need a bit more broth. Make sure to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

4. Can I freeze leftovers?
This casserole freezes well. Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

5. How can I make it creamier?
For a creamier texture, stir in a little cream, Greek yogurt, or a splash of plant-based milk before baking. You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top for added richness.

6. Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, this recipe is very versatile. Carrots, zucchini, bell peppers, or peas can be added for extra flavor, color, and nutrition.