Imagine a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey melted cheese, all perfectly nestled in a creamy, satisfying rice base - and the best part? It's all made in just ONE POT! This game-changing recipe is about to become your new weeknight dinner superhero, delivering maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you're a busy parent, a cooking novice, or just someone who loves delicious, hassle-free meals, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole will revolutionize your dinner routine and have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. You can add a splash of chicken broth to help steam the broccoli if needed.
- Add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the broccoli, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and milk, and mix well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to cook for about 5 minutes. This will help the rice begin to absorb the liquid.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Make sure the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed throughout the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture, reserving a small amount for later if desired. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil to trap the heat and moisture.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This will allow the rice to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
- After 20 minutes, remove the skillet from the oven. If you reserved some cheese, sprinkle it on top and return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set slightly and make it easier to serve.
- Serve the cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole warm, garnished with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot meal!
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider using seasoned chicken broth or adding garlic and onion powder to your chicken while cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the best melting and flavor.
- Make sure to cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the broccoli during initial sautéing - you want it bright green and slightly crisp.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the rice to absorb remaining moisture and set properly.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute milk with low-fat milk or even chicken broth.
- If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 337kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 32g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
