Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
