Description
Hearty one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and convenience to dinner tables across America. Cheese-laden layers meld with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound or 454 grams)
- 2 cups (300 grams) fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup (190 grams) white rice
Dairy and Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat, gently melt butter and sauté finely chopped onions with minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add diced chicken pieces and cook thoroughly, stirring occasionally until meat turns golden brown and is fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes.
- Pour uncooked rice into the pot, then add chicken broth and sprinkle in dried herbs and seasonings, mixing everything together uniformly.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-18 minutes, stirring once midway to prevent sticking.
- During the final 5 minutes of cooking, fold in fresh broccoli florets, ensuring they are evenly distributed and will steam perfectly within the rice mixture.
- Remove the pot from heat and immediately incorporate shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy texture throughout the casserole.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly before serving hot directly from the pot.
Notes
- Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the dish.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and reduce cooking effort.
- For a dairy-free version, replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Enhance protein content by adding diced ham or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg