Description
Hearty one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and flavor to dinner tables across America. Creamy textures and savory ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you will enjoy with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cubed
- 2 cups (473 ml) chicken broth
Vegetables and Grains:
- 2 cups (340 grams) broccoli florets
- 1 cup (180 grams) uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk or cream
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in melted butter over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet, cooking and stirring until exterior turns golden brown and meat is nearly cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour uncooked rice into the skillet, then add chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine and ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, reducing heat to low and allowing liquid to partially absorb into rice.
- Scatter fresh broccoli florets across the surface, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, then cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid.
- Maintain low heat and cook for 15-18 minutes, or until rice becomes tender and most liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove lid and fold in shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently to create a creamy, melted texture throughout the casserole.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes to allow cheese to fully melt and flavors to meld together before serving hot directly from the skillet.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the leanest option, or use thighs for more flavor and moisture.
- Dice chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing you to season the dish precisely to your taste.
- Swap white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutrients, though cooking time may need slight adjustment.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free and check broth labels carefully.
- Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or peas for increased nutrition and color variation.
- Customize the cheese by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for deeper flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 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: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg