Description
Homemade cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole delivers comforting flavors from classic American home cooking. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and hearty rice combine for a satisfying meal you can savor with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
- 1.5 cups (270 g) white long grain rice, rinsed
- 3 cups (450 g) broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 2 cups (473 ml) water
- 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Seasoning: Generously coat chicken cubes with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Searing: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken pieces until golden, creating a rich caramelized exterior (5-7 minutes).
- Aromatics: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, releasing its fragrant essence without scorching.
- Building Base: Reintroduce chicken to skillet, combining with rice, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat, covering tightly to simmer.
- Vegetable Integration: Fold broccoli florets into the partially cooked mixture, continuing to cook until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Cheese Transformation: Stir in whole milk and shredded cheddar, ensuring thorough distribution throughout the dish.
- Oven Finale: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Sprinkle additional cheese on top, then bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden crust.
- Serving: Allow casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes, letting flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve piping hot.
Notes
- Seasoning Strategy: Always season chicken cubes generously before searing to lock in deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
- Golden Brown Technique: Sear chicken at medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelized exterior, which adds complex depth to the casserole’s taste profile.
- Rice Absorption Tip: Keep the skillet tightly covered during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious liquid and spices.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake briefly to create a gorgeous golden crust that adds irresistible texture and visual appeal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg