This Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe is a classic combination that never fails to satisfy. The casserole brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy basmati rice, and melted cheddar cheese to create a mouthwatering dish. It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering. Ready in under an hour, with 7 ingredients.
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can beat the combination of chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese. Pure comfort bliss, right?
This recipe takes these classic ingredients and transforms them into a delightful casserole that will leave you craving more.
The tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese come together to create a hearty, tasty, budget-friendly and family-friendly meal.
One of the reasons I love this recipe is its simplicity.
With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy.
It doesn't require any fancy techniques or complicated steps—just basic cooking skills and a bit of patience.
Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite spices or vegetables.
Serve it on its own, or with a side dish like Mashed Potato Recipes, Arkansas Green Beans with Bacon or a salad.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chicken, broccoli, and rice are a timeless combination that never fails to satisfy.
- This casserole is a comforting and filling dish that will warm your heart and belly.
- With simple steps and basic ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
- Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors and textures of this dish.
Ingredients
You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, chicken breasts add protein and a savory flavor. You can also use boneless chicken thighs or even leftover cooked chicken for a different twist.
- Broccoli Florets: These vibrant green florets bring freshness and a slight crunch to the casserole. If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower or even peas.
- Basmati Rice: Known for its aromatic fragrance, basmati rice adds a delicate flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with long-grain rice if you prefer.
- Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheddar cheese forms a deliciously gooey layer on top of the casserole. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a sweet and savory base to the casserole. If you're not a fan of onions, you can omit them or substitute them with shallots or leeks.
- Chicken Broth: The chicken broth keeps the casserole moist and infuses it with savory flavors. You can use homemade chicken broth or store-bought, or even substitute it with vegetable broth.
- Salt and Pepper: These pantry staples enhance the overall taste of the dish, so don't forget to season to your liking.
- Butter: Sautéing the onion in butter adds richness and depth to the flavor. If you prefer, you can use olive oil or any other cooking oil as a substitute.
See the recipe card for quantities and method.
How to make Chicken Broccoli Rice
Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion in butter over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked onion to a plate.
In the same skillet, fry the chicken breast pieces over medium heat for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
Add the cooked chicken, sautéed onion, basmati rice, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to a baking dish or Dutch oven and stir well. Note: Do not add the broccoli at this stage.
Cover with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
While the casserole is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the blanched broccoli to a bowl of cold water to cool down. Drain the water once cooled.
Remove the casserole from the oven and remove the lid. Place the blanched broccoli florets on top of the casserole, and sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the broccoli. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven, without the lid, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.
Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the casserole from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Chicken Broccoli and Rice casserole as a main dish alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair it with crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious flavors.
- Leftovers make a great lunch option. Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them reheated for a quick and satisfying midday meal.
More Dinner Recipes
Looking for an easy dinner recipe? Try these!
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📖 Recipe
Chicken Broccoli Rice Recipe
Equipment
- Skillet
- Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 3 ounces basmati rice
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped onion in butter over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer the cooked onion to a plate.
- In the same skillet, fry the chicken breast pieces over medium heat for another 6-7 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked chicken, sautéed onion, basmati rice, 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, chicken broth, salt, and pepper to a baking dish or Dutch oven and stir well. Note: Do not add the broccoli at this stage.
- Cover with a lid and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes.
- While the casserole is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the broccoli florets for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the blanched broccoli to a bowl of cold water to cool down. Drain the water once cooled.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and remove the lid. Place the blanched broccoli florets on top of the casserole, and sprinkle the remaining grated cheddar cheese over the broccoli. Return the uncovered casserole to the oven, without the lid, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Toni
I love how comforting this is! My family enjoyed it!
Suja md
Outstanding recipe thanks so much! tasted so good! Served it up wiht a big salad and everyone loved it.
Sarah James
What a great idea, chicken and broccoli are a firm family favourite especially with the melted cheese on top. Tried it for a midweek family meal and it didn't dissapoint.
Kathleen
I love how easy this fabulous chicken and broccoli comes together. The kids loved it too.