Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese come together with fluffy rice to create a hearty and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into 1×1-inch cubes)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 cups white long grain rice (rinsed)
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 3 cups broccoli florets (roughly chopped)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, and rinsed rice.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken stock, water, and milk to the bowl. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the chopped broccoli and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Step 4: Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
5. Step 5: Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use low-sodium chicken stock to control salt levels or substitute with vegetable stock for a lighter flavor.
• For extra creaminess, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream before baking.
• Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper for a mild kick.
• Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheese flavor profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a suitable container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the baking time and the amount of chicken stock and water accordingly.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 187 reviews

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken cubes, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy rice baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. With sharp cheddar cheese melted throughout, this casserole offers a perfect balance of savory flavors and vibrant textures, making it an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein & Vegetables

• 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into 1×1-inch cubes)
• 3 cups broccoli florets (roughly chopped)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Grains & Liquids

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

Dairy

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cubed chicken breasts, sautéed onion and garlic, rinsed rice, chopped broccoli florets, chicken stock, water, and milk. Stir until well combined.
4. Add cheese: Fold in 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture. This will help bind the casserole and add flavor throughout.
5. Assemble casserole: Pour the entire mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.
6. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 50-55 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, helping to keep the casserole from becoming overly sticky or mushy.
• You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or green beans depending on preference.
• For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: cheesy broccoli chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, baked chicken casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, broccoli chicken dinner