Description
Cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole delivers comfort on a single pan with minimal cleanup. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 ml) long-grain white rice
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh broccoli florets
- 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Sear seasoned chicken pieces in a combination of olive oil and butter over medium-high heat until golden and fully cooked, then transfer to a separate plate.
- Using the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their fragrant essence.
- Introduce uncooked rice to the skillet, thoroughly coating the grains with the flavorful oil and butter mixture.
- Pour chicken broth and milk into the skillet, allowing the liquid to reach a rolling boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer for approximately 15 minutes, achieving an almost-tender consistency.
- Gently fold broccoli florets and previously cooked chicken back into the skillet, ensuring even distribution.
- Continue cooking, covered, for an additional 5-7 minutes, until broccoli becomes tender and rice reaches complete doneness.
- Remove from heat and incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly and integrates with the dish.
- For enhanced flavor, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and garnish with fresh parsley and a zesty splash of lemon juice before serving.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Slice broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets for consistent cooking and better texture distribution.
- Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk.
- Add a protein boost by incorporating quinoa instead of traditional white rice.
- Create a gluten-free option by using cauliflower rice as a base.
- Enhance depth of flavor by deglazing the skillet with white wine before adding broth.
- Prevent rice from sticking by stirring occasionally and maintaining low, steady heat during simmering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg