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Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake

creamy cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or casual family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred)
  • 1 cup white rice (long grain or jasmine), rinsed
  • 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups milk (whole or 2%; almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned but not fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to skillet with onions and garlic. Once melted, whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Let sauce thicken for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with thyme or Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  8. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed chicken, broccoli florets, and cheese sauce. Mix until well coated.
  9. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  10. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until top is golden and bubbly and broccoli is tender but bright green.
  11. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. For a crispier top, sprinkle extra cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking. Avoid overcooking broccoli by adding it raw to the casserole. Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents gluey texture. Browning chicken adds flavor and prevents rubbery texture. Use good quality sharp cheddar for best flavor. Covering the dish during part of baking locks in moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli bake, cheesy chicken, rice bake, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-and-broccoli-rice-bake-easy-homemade-recipe/