Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice

This cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. It's the ultimate comfort food that brings everyone to the table with smiles.

I created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something my picky eaters would devour without complaint. Now it's requested at least twice a month, and the leftovers disappear from the refrigerator faster than any other meal I make.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: fresh boneless skinless gives the best texture and flavor
• Onion: creates an aromatic base that enhances all other flavors
• Garlic: adds depth and warmth to the overall dish
• Long grain white rice: rinse well for fluffy texture and to prevent stickiness
• Chicken stock: provides richer flavor than using water alone
• Broccoli florets: fresh provides the best texture but frozen works in a pinch
• Milk: creates creaminess without heaviness of cream
• Sharp cheddar cheese: aged varieties offer more pronounced cheese flavor
• Salt and pepper: essential to properly season the chicken and finished dish
• Olive oil: for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the chicken:

Season cubed chicken generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat a large oven safe skillet over medium high heat with 2 tablespoons olive oil until shimmering. Add chicken pieces without overcrowding and allow them to develop a golden brown crust before flipping. This takes approximately 5 7 minutes. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked through as it will continue cooking with the rice. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.

Sauté the aromatics:

Without cleaning the pan, add the finely chopped onion to the same skillet with the flavorful chicken drippings. Cook for a full 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions become translucent and begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it will become bitter.

Combine and simmer:

Return the browned chicken to the pan with any accumulated juices. Add the thoroughly rinsed rice and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Pour in the chicken stock and water, and bring the mixture to a full boil. This initial boil is crucial for proper rice cooking. Reduce the heat to low, cover tightly with a lid, and let simmer for 10 minutes undisturbed.

Add the broccoli:

After the initial 10 minutes, quickly lift the lid and add the chopped broccoli florets on top of the partially cooked rice. Gently stir to incorporate, then cover again and continue cooking for an additional 8 10 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Test a grain of rice to ensure it's fully cooked.

Create the cheesy finish:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined throughout the dish. The residual heat will help melt the cheese into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese evenly across the top of the casserole to create a delicious golden crust when baked.

Bake to perfection:

Transfer the oven safe skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 15 minutes until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and beginning to brown in spots. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Save This

The sharp cheddar cheese is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I discovered that using a quality aged cheddar rather than mild varieties completely transforms the dish, creating a rich depth of flavor that elevates this from a simple casserole to something truly crave worthy. My husband, who normally passes on casseroles, always goes back for seconds.

Make Ahead Options

This casserole can be fully prepared up to the baking stage, then covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, allow the dish to come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5 10 minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still cold from the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop further when made ahead, making this perfect for meal prepping or preparing for company.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The casserole reheats beautifully in the microwave for individual portions, but for best results when reheating a larger amount, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry during reheating.

Substitutions and Variations

Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time saving substitute for raw chicken breasts. Simply skip the chicken browning step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken when combining ingredients. Brown rice can replace white rice for added nutrition, but will require about 20 minutes additional cooking time and possibly extra liquid. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the rich casserole. For special occasions, serve alongside crusty garlic bread for sopping up any extra cheese sauce. A chilled Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc makes the perfect beverage pairing for adults.

Common Queries

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes about 40-45 minutes to cook compared to white rice's 15-20 minutes. Add the broccoli during the last 10 minutes of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this casserole up to the baking step, cool completely, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, add an extra splash of milk, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

→ What can I substitute for broccoli?

Cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, or peas would all work well as substitutes for broccoli. Just adjust cooking times accordingly—firmer vegetables need more time, while peas can be added in the last few minutes.

→ How can I make this dish creamier?

For a creamier version, increase the milk to 1 cup or substitute half the milk with heavy cream. You can also stir in 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese before adding the cheddar.

→ Is there a way to make this dish without dairy?

Yes! Replace the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Some nutritional yeast (about 2-3 tablespoons) can also help create a cheesy flavor without dairy.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken to save time?

Definitely! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube about 2-3 cups of rotisserie chicken and add it when combining the ingredients, skipping the initial chicken browning step.