Description
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken is a creamy one pan casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese. It is a comforting and family friendly dinner that delivers protein, vegetables, and grains in one dish and comes together in about 50 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken breasts cut into small 1 inch cubes
1 small onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 cups white long grain rice rinsed
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups water
3 cups broccoli florets roughly chopped
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded and divided
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Season the cubed chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat and sear the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pan cook the chopped onion until softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
3. Stir in the rinsed rice and cook for about one minute so the grains absorb the flavors from the onion and garlic.
4. Add chicken stock and water. Return the chicken to the pan and mix well. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until the rice becomes nearly tender.
5. Stir in the chopped broccoli, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix gently until everything combines.
6. Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
7. Bake until the cheese melts and the casserole becomes hot and bubbly and the chicken is fully cooked.
Notes
Brown the chicken only partially during searing because it finishes cooking in the oven.
Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent a sticky texture.
Cut the chicken into small pieces so it cooks evenly with the rice.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Chicken Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 41g