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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, bright broccoli, creamy rice, and a crunchy cracker topping, making it a family favorite that's easy to assemble and customizable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups diced boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) Substitute with thighs for richer flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Can substitute with thawed and drained frozen broccoli.
  • 1 cup long grain rice Cooked according to package instructions.
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Reserve some 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.
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted Plus additional for sautéing.
  • 1 cup buttery crackers, crushed For the topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish lightly with butter or spray.
  2. Cook rice according to package directions and set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a skillet, melt 1–2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add diced chicken to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink and just cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Steam or blanch broccoli florets for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender; drain well.
  7. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked chicken and onion, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar (reserve a handful for the top), and cream. Stir gently until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. Sprinkle reserved cheese over the top, then evenly scatter crushed buttery crackers. Drizzle melted butter over the cracker topping.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 20–25 minutes until bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1g

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time. For lower-fat version, use low-fat milk plus cornstarch to thicken. Should you prefer additional flavor, toast the cracker topping briefly in a skillet with butter before sprinkling.
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