Craving a delicious, creamy casserole without the dairy? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Instant Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that's not only dairy-free but also incredibly easy to make! In just 40 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're lactose intolerant, following a dairy-free diet, or simply looking for a quick and nutritious weeknight dinner, this recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort food sensation.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup dairy-free cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by dicing chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and cutting broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.
- Select the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and add a small amount of olive oil. Brown the diced chicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add brown rice, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine ingredients and ensure rice is evenly distributed.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing position, and select Manual/Pressure Cook mode. Cook on high pressure for 22 minutes.
- Once cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to remove remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and gently stir in broccoli florets and dairy-free cheese, ensuring even distribution.
- Cover and let sit for 3-5 minutes to allow broccoli to steam and cheese to melt slightly.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot in individual portions.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use homemade or high-quality chicken broth to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Don't skip browning the chicken before pressure cooking - this step adds depth of flavor and helps seal in the meat's juiciness.
- When adding broccoli, aim for crisp-tender florets by not overcooking. The residual heat will continue to steam the broccoli after opening the Instant Pot.
- Experiment with dairy-free cheese varieties to find your favorite flavor profile - some brands melt better than others.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the casserole sit for an extra 2-3 minutes after adding cheese to allow it to set.
- For added nutrition, consider using brown rice or quinoa as a protein-packed base.
- Always check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety, even when using diced pieces.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 461kcal
Carbohydrates: 39g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 93mg
