Description
Hearty one pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole blends creamy textures with comforting flavors from classic American kitchens. Families will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite of this simple weeknight dinner classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 10 oz (284 g) cream of chicken soup (canned)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- ¼ cup rice (uncooked)
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt (for seasoning chicken)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (for seasoning chicken)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a spacious cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions until soft and translucent, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
- Protein Preparation: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Cook until opaque and lightly golden, then set aside on a separate plate.
- Aromatic Integration: Quickly sauté minced garlic, then introduce uncooked rice. Toast rice for 1-2 minutes to develop rich, nutty undertones and maximize flavor potential.
- Liquid Transformation: Pour cream of chicken soup and chicken broth into the skillet. Whisk thoroughly, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer covered, allowing rice to become tender and absorb liquid completely.
- Vegetable and Cheese Fusion: Gently fold broccoli florets into the rice mixture. Blanket the top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering evenly. Allow to rest briefly, ensuring broccoli steams and cheese melts seamlessly.
- Optional Finishing Touch: If desired, activate broiler on high. Position skillet under intense heat for 2-3 minutes to create a golden, crispy surface.
- Serving Presentation: Let casserole rest momentarily. Sprinkle fresh parsley for vibrant color and added complexity. Serve immediately with complementary side dishes.
Notes
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Dice chicken and chop vegetables in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall preparation time.
- Rice Texture Tip: Use long-grain white rice for best results, ensuring each grain remains separate and fluffy during cooking.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Shred cheese freshly for superior melting quality and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
- Flavor Enhancement: Toast rice briefly before adding liquid to develop deeper, nuttier undertones and improve overall dish complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 405
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg