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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.1 from 10 reviews

A comforting and creamy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole featuring tender chicken cubes, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection for a satisfying family-friendly meal.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Rice

  • 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)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes and season them with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Brown the chicken: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes to develop a flavorful crust. The chicken need not be fully cooked through at this stage.
  3. Set browned chicken aside: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside. If necessary, brown the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic: In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release its aroma.
  5. Add chicken back to pan: Return the browned chicken to the pan with the onions and garlic.
  6. Add rice and liquids: Add the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water to the pan. Mix everything together and bring to a boil over high heat.
  7. Simmer rice and chicken: Reduce heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
  8. Add broccoli: After 10 minutes, stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Cover again and continue cooking on low, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and broccoli is tender.
  9. Preheat oven: While the rice finishes cooking, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  10. Add milk and cheese: Once the rice is cooked, stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
  11. Top with cheese and bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken to ensure proper searing.
  • You can rinse the rice to remove excess starch for fluffier texture.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, bold flavor balance.
  • This recipe works best when cooked on the stovetop first and finished in the oven for the cheesy topping.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/cheesy-broccoli-chicken-and-rice-casserole-recipe/