Description
Comforting broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole brings warmth to family dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 eggs
Vegetables:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup white rice
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Cook white rice according to package instructions, ensuring grains are fluffy and separated.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then dice into bite-sized cubes.
- Sauté diced onions in butter until translucent and fragrant, creating a golden base of flavor.
- In a large skillet, cook seasoned chicken cubes until they’re golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Steam broccoli florets until tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant green color and nutritional integrity.
- Whisk together milk and eggs in a mixing bowl, creating a creamy binding mixture for the casserole.
- Combine cooked rice, chicken, steamed broccoli, and sautéed onions in the prepared baking dish, mixing gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Pour the milk and egg mixture over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top, creating a rich, melty layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a light golden crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and casserole to set.
Notes
- Boost protein by adding extra chicken or swapping with lean turkey for a protein-packed meal.
- Substitute white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s creamy texture.
- Enhance vegetable content by mixing in additional colorful veggies like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and visual appeal.
- Create a dairy-free alternative by using coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of milk and cheese, perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg