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Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 87 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy sharp cheddar cheese baked to perfection in a hearty rice base. This comforting and flavorful casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner, blending protein, vegetables, and rice in a one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and bakes to a bubbly, golden finish.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped

Rice and Liquids

  • 1 1/2 cups white long grain rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/2 cup milk

Cheese

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided into 1 cup and 1 cup)

Instructions

  1. Prepare and season chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes and season them evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
  2. Heat the pan and add oil: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat thoroughly before adding the chicken.
  3. Brown the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the hot pan and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. This creates a flavorful crust but does not fully cook the chicken yet.
  4. Set browned chicken aside: Remove the browned chicken from the pan and transfer to a plate to rest while you cook the other ingredients.
  5. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Return chicken to pan: Add the browned chicken pieces back into the pan with the sautéed onions and garlic.
  7. Add rice and liquids: Mix in the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat.
  8. Simmer covered: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 10 minutes to begin cooking the rice.
  9. Add broccoli and continue cooking: Stir in the chopped broccoli florets, cover again, and cook until the rice is fully tender, approximately another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  10. Preheat oven: While the rice and broccoli finish cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  11. Add milk and cheese: Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, stir in the milk and fold in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined with the mixture.
  12. Top and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

Notes

  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps keep the casserole from becoming gummy.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and good melting quality.
  • Make sure to monitor the cooking rice to avoid burning or sticking at the bottom of the pan.
  • This casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave, but the texture is best when freshly baked.
  • Substitute the milk with a lactose-free alternative if desired.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://saraflavors.com/cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe/