Description
Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole, a hearty one-pan wonder that brings family together. Creamy, cheesy goodness mingles with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Pantry and Liquid Ingredients:
- 2 cups uncooked white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separate grains, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then dice into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Add seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
- Incorporate cooked rice, sautéed chicken, and broccoli florets into the creamy mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a generous and even cheese layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Cook rice and chicken in advance to cut down total cooking time and make assembly faster.
- Customize Protein: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Veggie Flexibility: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, zucchini, or mixed vegetables for variety and nutritional boost.
- Cheese Options: Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make the casserole lighter and accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg