Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless
skinless chicken cutlets, thinly sliced breasts
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
peeled and finely chopped, about 1 cup
- 2 cloves garlic
thinly sliced
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 medium head broccoli
trimmed and cut into small florets, about 3 cups
- 1 package shredded Mexican cheese or Cheddar blend
8-ounce
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan
Directions
- 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Season the chicken on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a deep, oven-proof skillet or Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes.
- 3
Add the rice and stir to coat. Add the chicken broth, half-and-half and 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste); stir well. Cover and transfer to the oven for 20 minutes.
- 4
Remove from the oven and stir. Add the chicken, broccoli and cheese; stir to coat until the cheese has melted. Smooth into an even layer.
- 5
Combine the bread crumbs and the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle over top, along with the Parmesan. Return to the oven to bake until rice is tender and the top is golden brown and bubbly, 20 minutes more.
- 6
Broil on low for 2 to 5 minutes for extra browning. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving that classic, comforting chicken and broccoli casserole but short on time? This streamlined Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings all the beloved cheesy goodness right to your weeknight table, becoming a complete one-pot meal with minimal effort.
You'll love how this recipe cuts down on fuss, brilliantly skipping the traditional roux. Instead, the magic happens as chicken stock, half-and-half, and a generous amount of shredded cheese melt together in the oven, creating an instant, rich, and creamy sauce. This clever approach delivers those familiar, comforting notes without constant stirring or extra steps, truly making it a streamlined comfort food classic.
Get ready for a heartwarming meal where tender, thinly sliced chicken and vibrant, perfectly cooked broccoli florets are enveloped in a luxuriously creamy, cheesy long-grain white rice base. Every spoonful offers a delightful mix of savory flavors and satisfying textures, from the melting cheese blend to the crunchy panko bread crumbs and grated Parmesan topping. It’s a complete meal that’s both hearty and incredibly easy to achieve, designed for today's busy cook who yearns for homemade comfort without the complication.
For an even quicker turnaround, you can trim the boneless, skinless chicken cutlets into bite-size pieces before stirring them into the casserole; this will significantly reduce the second cooking time. Feel free to use either an 8-ounce package of shredded Mexican cheese blend or a sharp Cheddar blend to customize the cheesy flavor to your family's preference.
This hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal without much fuss, making it an ideal family dinner. Serve it as a stand-alone dish, or complement its richness with a crisp side salad.