Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender browned chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese, baked to perfection for a melty, golden topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Protein and 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 and Liquids
- 1 1/2 cups white long grain rice (rinsed)
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 cup milk
Dairy and Seasoning
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes, season them with salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and add some olive oil.
- Brown the Chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the chicken cubes and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point—just develop a crust for flavor.
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming instead of browning.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the same pan and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the browned chicken to the pan, then add the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
- Simmer Covered: Lower the heat to low, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the chopped broccoli, cover again, and cook until the rice is fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: While the rice cooks, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Add Dairy and Cheese: When rice is cooked, stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top and transfer the pan to the oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting, cheesy chicken and broccoli rice casserole!
Notes
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken to ensure proper caramelization.
- If you prefer, you can substitute the sharp cheddar cheese with a milder cheese or a cheese blend for different flavors.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated; just add a splash of milk if it dries out upon reheating.
- Use low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt level.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a bit of sour cream or cream cheese when stirring in the milk and cheese.
