Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Indulge in a comforting plate of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, where seasoned chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice unite under a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, making it a delightful dish that both kids and adults will love. With minimal cleanup required and the option to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheeses, this casserole will quickly become a staple at your dining table. Experience the joy of hearty family meals with this easy-to-make recipe!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup long-grain rice (Basmati recommended)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Mixed cheeses (mozzarella and cheddar)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked and chopped broccoli.
- In a saucepan, melt some butter and cook seasoned diced chicken until no longer pink; set aside.
- Cook rice separately in boiling salted water until tender.
- Prepare the cheese sauce by sautéing onions and celery in butter; stir in garlic and flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until thickened.
- In the large bowl with broccoli, mix in cooked chicken and rice; pour in cheese sauce to coat evenly.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with cheddar and mixed cheeses, then bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg