Are you looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug? Something that brings everyone to the table without a ton of effort? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Dinner is exactly that.
It’s a complete meal made in just one pot. Think tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice all swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce. It is comfort food at its finest.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, it is incredibly easy to make. Everything cooks together, which means less cleanup for you. Who doesn’t love that on a busy weeknight?
The flavors are just so satisfying. The combination of savory chicken, earthy broccoli, and gooey cheese is a classic for a reason. It is a family friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Plus, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is super versatile. You can swap ingredients to use what you have on hand. It is a great recipe for cleaning out the fridge.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500g (1 lb) chicken thigh, cut into bite size pieces
- 2.5 tbsp flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- 2 cups (500 ml) chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups (225g) long grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 2 cups (200g) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Finely chopped parsley, optional garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics And Chicken
In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over high heat. Add your chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces. Cook until they are white on the outside.
Step 2: Create The Creamy Base
Turn the heat down to medium. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir continuously for one minute. This step is important for creating a thick, creamy sauce without any lumps.
Step 3: Add Liquids And Rice
Slowly pour in half of the milk, stirring constantly until it combines with the flour. Then, add the rest of the milk, the chicken broth, uncooked rice, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir.
Step 4: Simmer The Casserole
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts bubbling, cover the pot with a lid, turn the heat down to medium low, and let it cook for 12 minutes. The rice will absorb most of the liquid.
Step 5: Add Broccoli And Cheese
Quickly remove the lid and add the broccoli florets. Gently push them down into the liquid. Put the lid back on and cook for another 3 minutes. The broccoli should be tender but still have a little bite.
Preheat your broiler. Stir in half of the shredded cheese until it melts. The mixture might look a bit saucy, but do not worry. It thickens up quickly. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining cheese over it.
Step 6: Broil And Serve
Place the pot under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you prefer not to use a broiler, just put the lid back on and let the cheese melt from the residual heat.
Serve your delicious Broccoli Rice Casserole With Chicken right away. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
This casserole reheats beautifully, which is great news for leftovers. Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
To reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick meal. Or, you can warm it in a pot on the stove over low heat. You might want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up a bit.
Tips
For the juiciest chicken, use thighs. They have more fat and stay tender during cooking. However, chicken breast works too. Just be careful not to overcook it.
Long grain white rice gives the best texture, similar to a creamy risotto. But feel free to use other types like basmati or jasmine. Just know they will add their own unique fragrance.
You can definitely use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water so your casserole does not become watery.
Any good melting cheese will work for this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a Monterey Jack blend are all fantastic choices.
Conclusion
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Dinner is a true weeknight winner. It is a satisfying, wholesome meal that comes together with minimal fuss. It proves that you do not need a lot of time or fancy ingredients to make something special.
Give this Broccoli Cheese Casserole Easy recipe a try. I am sure it will become a regular in your meal rotation. It is the kind of dish that brings a smile to everyone’s face.
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead Of Thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast. Since it is leaner, it can dry out more easily. Just be sure to cut it into bite size pieces and cook it until it is just white on the outside in the initial step.
What Is The Best Rice For This Casserole?
Long grain or medium grain white rice works best. They do not get too sticky and help create a creamy consistency. Basmati and jasmine also work well if you enjoy their aromatic qualities.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the final cheese topping. Let it cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, top with cheese and reheat in the microwave or oven until warm and bubbly.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is a satisfying, family-friendly meal perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter and olive oil over high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about a minute until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are white on the outside.
- Turn the heat down to medium. Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir continuously for one minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour in half of the milk, stirring constantly until it combines smoothly. Then, add the rest of the milk, the chicken broth, uncooked rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once bubbling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium-low, and let it cook for 12 minutes.
- Remove the lid, add the broccoli florets, and gently push them into the liquid. Replace the lid and cook for another 3 minutes, until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
- Preheat your broiler. Stir half of the shredded cheese into the pot until melted. Smooth the top and sprinkle the remaining cheese over it.
- Place the pot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor and texture, use chicken thighs as they stay more tender during cooking.
If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess water to prevent a watery casserole.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth.
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