Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, rice, and rich cheddar cheese. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, making it a satisfying comfort food option for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast cut in bite sizes pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut in bite size pieces
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve ritz crackers crushed 32 crackers
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Move the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned, flipping halfway through to brown both sides.
- Remove the cooked chicken pieces to a plate while stirring the onions on the other side of the skillet. Once all chicken is cooked, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the onions and garlic.
- In a saucepan, add water, 1 tablespoon of butter, salt, and long-grain rice. Heat until boiling, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Steam the broccoli.
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously while cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add crushed red pepper, onion powder, dried marjoram, and dried thyme.
- Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, alternating between the two. Continue to whisk and cook until smooth and slightly thickened. Reduce heat and whisk in 1 1/4 cups of cheddar. Stir in cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli to coat.
- Spoon ½ of the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, top with ½ cup cheddar, then layer the remaining chicken mixture and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Combine crackers and 4 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is browned and cheese melts.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding additional spices or herbs to the mixture.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking.
Feel free to substitute vegetables according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg