Are you looking for a dinner that feels like a warm hug? Something that is both wholesome and incredibly tasty? Well, you have come to the right place.
This Healthy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Bake is a fantastic one dish meal. It is creamy, cheesy, and packed with good stuff. Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, this casserole is all about comfort. It has that classic combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice that just works so well together. It is a complete meal in one pan.
We are also making a homemade cheese sauce from scratch. No canned soups here! This means you control the ingredients, making it a truly Healthy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
It is also super adaptable. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your family’s tastes or what you have in the fridge. It is a forgiving and fun recipe to make.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite sized cubes
- 2 cups brown rice, cooked
- 6 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small florets
For The Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons gluten free flour
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 2 tablespoons curly parsley, freshly chopped to garnish
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab your bite sized chicken pieces and season them with a little salt and pepper. Drizzle with one tablespoon of olive oil.
Toss everything to make sure the chicken is coated well. Then, arrange it in a single layer in your casserole dish. This helps it cook evenly. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Make The Creamy Sauce
While the chicken is getting a head start, let’s make that amazing cheese sauce. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil in a skillet. Add the diced onion and sauté until it’s soft.
Next, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it for about a minute. Carefully pour in the milk, whisking constantly to keep it smooth. Nobody wants lumpy sauce!
As it begins to bubble, add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer on low until it gets thick and bubbly.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Now for the best part. Stir in one and a half cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until it is completely melted and oh so creamy.
Step 3: Assemble The Casserole
Carefully take the casserole dish out of the oven. Add your cooked brown rice over the chicken, followed by the fresh broccoli florets. Now, pour that glorious cheese sauce all over everything.
Gently toss it all together to make sure everything is nicely coated in the sauce. This ensures every bite of your Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole Bake is delicious.
Step 4: Bake To Perfection
Sprinkle the last half cup of cheese over the top. It is time to bake! Place it back in the oven for 20 more minutes.
You will know it is ready when the broccoli is tender and the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbling. That sight is pure happiness.
Let it cool for a moment, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving it warm.
How To Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Storing this casserole is simple. You can wrap the dish in foil or transfer the contents to an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. The flavors often get even better the next day, making for a fantastic lunch.
Tips
For the best results, have your brown rice cooked before you start. It makes the whole process go much smoother.
When preparing the broccoli, try to cut the florets into similar sizes. This helps them cook at the same rate. You can also buy precut florets to save some time.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the cheese! While cheddar is a classic, mozzarella or a Colby blend would also be wonderful in this dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it! A simple, comforting, and delicious Healthy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Bake that is sure to become a family favorite.
It is the perfect meal for a busy weeknight when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Regular Flour?
Yes, absolutely. If you do not have any gluten restrictions, you can use the same amount of all purpose flour instead of gluten free flour.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead Of Time?
You sure can. Prepare the casserole right up until the final bake. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can This Recipe Be Frozen?
This casserole freezes beautifully. You can freeze it before or after baking. It will last for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating or baking.
What Kind Of Chicken Should I Use?
Chicken breasts work great, but you could also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Even leftover rotisserie chicken would be a great time saver in this Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole Bake.
Healthy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Bake
A wholesome and comforting one-dish meal. This creamy, cheesy casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and brown rice in a homemade sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp olive oil. Arrange in a single layer in a casserole dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onions and whisk for one minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven. Add the cooked brown rice and broccoli florets to the chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender and the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, have your brown rice cooked before you start to make assembly quicker.
Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or a Colby blend.
This casserole can be fully assembled ahead of time, covered, and refrigerated. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
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