Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re seeking a truly comforting weeknight meal, look no further than Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. This cozy, all-in-one bake is the culinary equivalent of a big, warm hug: juicy bites of chicken, tender broccoli florets, fluffy rice, and a hearty layer of sharp cheddar cheese. It’s just what you crave when you want something filling but not fussy, with simple ingredients that come together into a family favorite you’ll return to again and again.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is its simplicity—each ingredient plays an important role, whether that’s bringing bold flavor, creaminess, or the perfect hint of crunch. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips for each one:

  • Chicken breasts: Cut into even cubes so that the chicken cooks up juicy and evenly sized in every bite.
  • Onion: Chopped finely, it softens and sweetens during cooking, building a savory base and plenty of flavor throughout the casserole.
  • Garlic: Minced fresh for the best aroma—just a little packs a powerful punch and brings the whole dish to life.
  • White long grain rice: Rinsed to remove excess starch, this provides the casserole’s fluffy foundation.
  • Chicken stock: Infuses the rice with savory depth and ensures every grain is bursting with flavor.
  • Water: Helps balance the richness and allows the rice to absorb enough moisture as it cooks.
  • Broccoli florets: Chopped roughly so that you get a bit of broccoli in every forkful; their fresh crunch is key!
  • Milk: Adds creaminess and melds all the flavors together just before baking.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded and divided for inside creaminess and irresistible, golden, melty topping.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes, making sure everything is a similar size for even cooking. Toss the chicken with salt and pepper to season each piece thoroughly—don’t skip this! A quick toss ensures every bite is flavorful from the inside out.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Preheat a large pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add your chicken cubes in a single layer. Let them brown on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’re not cooking them all the way through, but that golden exterior builds deep flavor for your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Once you’ve browned the chicken, move it to a plate. In the same pan, add your finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic for 30 seconds—just until fragrant. This savory base fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Liquids

Return your browned chicken to the pan, followed by the rinsed rice. Pour in chicken stock and water, give it all a gentle mix, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Broccoli

After 10 minutes, stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Recover and continue to cook until the rice is fluffy and the broccoli turns a vibrant green—stir occasionally to keep everything well mixed and prevent sticking at the bottom.

Step 6: Add Milk and Cheese

When the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, pour in the milk and stir well. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese so it melts right into the casserole. Get ready—it’s about to get even cozier!

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the pan to a 425°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is gloriously melty and bubbling on top. The final touch makes Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole impossible to resist.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Try a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Even a dash of cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch, contrasting beautifully with all that melty cheddar.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is filling enough to shine on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette, some roasted carrots, or a basket of warm garlic bread for soaking up every last bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, spoon individual servings into small ramekins or bake in a muffin tin for mini casseroles—so cute and totally portable! Garnish with extra cheese or broccoli florets for an inviting presentation that elevates the classic casserole experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days—making it a lifesaver for lunch or busy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a champ. Simply cool it completely and wrap portions tightly with plastic wrap and foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. It will stay delicious in the freezer for up to 2 months, ready for you to reheat anytime the craving hits.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until piping hot throughout. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to prevent the rice from drying out. Stir halfway through reheating for the best creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that brown rice will take longer to cook and may need a bit more liquid. Consider increasing the simmer time and check for doneness before adding the broccoli.

What cheese works best for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar is classic for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, but you can mix in mozzarella for meltiness, or even pepper jack if you like a spicy kick. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese!

Can I prep this casserole ahead and bake later?

Definitely! Assemble everything up to the final cheese topping, cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature while you preheat the oven, then bake until hot and bubbly.

What’s the best way to get crispier cheese on top?

For a golden, crispy top, pop the casserole under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Just watch closely so the cheese doesn’t burn!

Can I make this vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap out chicken for canned chickpeas or extra broccoli, and use vegetable stock in place of chicken stock. The rich, cheesy flavor still shines through.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole a spot on your dinner table soon—it’s the sort of dish that never fails to bring comfort and smiles, whether you’re sharing with family or treating yourself to leftovers. I promise, this hearty meal will become the casserole you crave again and again!

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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: anna
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese for a delicious family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into 1×1-inch cubes)

Onion and Garlic:

  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

Rice Mixture:

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

Broccoli:

  • 3 cups broccoli florets (roughly chopped)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)

Instructions

  1. Cut and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes, season with salt and pepper.
  2. Brown Chicken: Preheat a pan, add olive oil, brown the chicken cubes for 5-7 minutes.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Cook onion until soft, add garlic.
  4. Cook Chicken and Rice: Return chicken to the pot, add rice, stock, and water. Cook until rice is almost done, then add broccoli.
  5. Finish and Bake: Stir in milk and 1 cup of cheese. Top with remaining cheese, bake at 425°F until bubbly.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for variation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, Casserole, Cheese, Family Dinner

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