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–+ servings

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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A creamy and cheesy one-dish meal that combines tender diced chicken, bright broccoli, and fluffy rice under a crispy cracker topping. Perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 2 cups diced boneless chicken breasts Or substitute thighs for richer flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Can substitute with thawed and drained frozen broccoli.
  • 1 cup long grain rice, cooked Cooked according to package instructions (leftover rice works great).
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.
  • 1 medium onion, chopped Shallots can be used for a more delicate flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup cream Half-and-half can be used as a substitute for a lighter version.
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted Plus additional butter for sautéing and for mixing with cracker topping.
  • 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed For the topping; swap panko or seasoned breadcrumbs if needed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x9-inch or similar casserole dish.
  2. Cook rice ahead according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Heat 1–2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add diced chicken to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink (internal temperature 165°F), about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
  5. Meanwhile, steam or briefly blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken-onion-garlic mixture, broccoli, cream, melted tablespoon of butter, and most of the shredded cheddar. Stir gently to combine.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
  2. Mix crushed buttery crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter and evenly scatter over the cheese.
  3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden. If you want an extra-browned topping, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave. Freeze well for up to 3 months. Let cool completely before freezing. For extra flavor, sauté chicken in chicken stock or white wine instead of plain butter.
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