Hey there, my cooking pals!
Looking for a cozy, one-dish meal? You’re in the right place!
Today, I’m excited to share my chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe.
It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s super easy to whip up!
Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner.
Let’s dive in and get cooking!
| Preparation Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30-40 minutes |
| Total Time | 50-70 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Ingredients
For the casserole base:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (cut into small florets)
For the sauce:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (I use King Arthur all-purpose flour)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (shred your own for best melt)
- 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (freshly minced for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
For layering and topping:
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried parsley
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli
Start by steaming the broccoli until it is bright and tender.
Once cooked, chop the broccoli into small pieces and place it in a large bowl.
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with a mixture of your favorite seasonings.
Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it is no longer pink inside, being careful not to overcook to keep it juicy.
Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the broccoli.
Step 2: Cook the Basmati Rice
In a pot, combine water and your choice of spices, then bring it to a boil.
Add Basmati rice, stir well, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
Simmer the rice for 10 minutes, then remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
Once the rice is done, add it to the bowl with the chicken and broccoli and mix everything together.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a skillet, melt some butter and sauté diced celery and onion over medium heat until they are tender.
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Stir in some more butter and then add flour, cooking the mixture until it turns golden and bubbly to eliminate the raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Add seasonings to taste, then pour in whole milk and let the mixture simmer until it thickens.
Finally, stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Combine and Layer the Casserole
Pour the prepared cheese sauce into the bowl with the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, stirring until well combined.
In a baking dish, layer half of the mixture, then add a layer of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
Add the remaining mixture on top, followed by another layer of cheese.
Place the baking dish on a baking pan to catch any overflow.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
For a golden top, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes of baking, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Once done, allow the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and creamy chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole!
