Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole: A Comforting One-Pan Meal
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a quintessential comfort food dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and the hearty feel of a home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures all in one pan. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Olive Oil: for cooking
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- White Long Grain Rice: 1 ½ cups, rinsed
- Chicken Stock: 2 cups
- Water: 2 cups
- Broccoli Florets: 3 cups, roughly chopped
- Milk: ½ cup
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded, divided
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium/high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Rice and Chicken:
- Return the chicken to the pan along with the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli:
- Add the chopped broccoli, cover, and continue cooking until the rice is tender and the broccoli is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
- Transfer the pan to the oven (ensure it’s oven-safe) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is not just filling; it’s packed with flavor. The creamy cheese, combined with the savory chicken and the freshness of broccoli, makes for a delightful dish that’s both nutritious and comforting. It’s perfect for those evenings when you need a hearty meal that brings the family together around the dinner table. Enjoy this delicious casserole straight from the oven for the best experience!
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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole offers a delightful medley of textures and flavors, making it a staple comfort dish. The creamy cheese perfectly complements the tender chunks of chicken and the freshness of the broccoli, all enveloped in a savory rice mixture that’s cooked to perfection.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil, for cooking
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ cups white long grain rice, rinsed
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
½ cup milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Instructions
Season the chicken cubes with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium/high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides for about 5-7 minutes, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
In the same pan, add the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Return the chicken to the pan. Add the rice, chicken stock, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add the broccoli, cover, and continue cooking until the rice is fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Serve hot from the oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550