Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: A Comforting and Easy Meal

If you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and delicious meal, Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is the perfect dish to try. Combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese, this meal is the epitome of comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a meal for meal prep, or hosting a cozy dinner gathering, this dish will not disappoint.

This recipe is also highly customizable and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want something that comes together quickly with minimal effort. If you want to learn more about the benefits of making your own casseroles, check out this article on healthy casserole ideas or this article on meal prep tips.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe | Easy Comfort Food

---

• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a comforting and creamy dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all coated in a rich, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and makes for a hearty meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether baked or cooked on the stovetop, this dish is loaded with flavor and a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

For the Rice:

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Broccoli:

• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2% preferred)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra shredded cheese (for topping)

---

Instructions

• Prepare the Rice:

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, chicken broth, butter, and salt.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.
  • Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.

• Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Season the diced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano (if using).
  • Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

• Cook the Broccoli:

  • In the same skillet, steam or sauté the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still bright green. If using frozen broccoli, cook until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.

• Make the Cheesy Sauce:

  • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  • Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux, stirring constantly.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Bring to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

• Combine the Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheesy sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
  • Optionally, transfer to a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

• Serve:

  • Spoon the cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture onto plates and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

• For a creamier texture, you can add a little cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.
• You can use brown rice or quinoa as an alternative to white rice, but cooking times will vary.
• Feel free to swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach if you prefer.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop / Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of the dish)
• Calories: 500 kcal
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions, using chicken broth in place of water for added flavor. Set the rice aside when done.
2. Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides (about 7-8 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Then add the broccoli florets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp. If you’re using frozen broccoli, you can skip this step as it will cook during the bake.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, broccoli, and seasonings. Add 1 ¼ cups of shredded cheese, reserving some for topping. Mix everything until well combined.
5. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, broil the dish for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Serve and enjoy! Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra shredded cheese if desired.

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to elevate their Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice dish, here are some advanced techniques that will add layers of flavor and texture to the recipe:

1. Incorporating a Creamy Sauce

Instead of just adding shredded cheese, you can prepare a creamy cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, adding flour to make a roux, and then gradually whisking in milk (or heavy cream for extra richness). Once the sauce thickens, stir in shredded cheese and pour it over the chicken and rice mixture before baking. This will create a creamy, comforting dish with a smooth texture.

2. Adding Different Cheeses

Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can experiment with different cheeses to add more depth of flavor. Consider using Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different twist. You can also try blue cheese for a sharp contrast to the creaminess.

3. Adding Crunchy Toppings

For added texture, top your dish with a crunchy topping. Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter can be sprinkled on top before baking. This will give your casserole a crispy, golden-brown finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.

4. Slow Cooker Method

If you’re pressed for time or want a hands-off approach, use a slow cooker to make this dish. Combine all the ingredients (including uncooked rice) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through, the rice is tender, and the cheese has melted perfectly.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

After enjoying your Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice meal, you’ll likely have leftovers that need to be stored. Here’s how to keep your casserole fresh:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well! You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

Reheating Tips

• For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven. This helps retain the texture of the rice and chicken, unlike the microwave, which can make it a bit soggy.
• If reheating in the microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel to keep it moist.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice casserole is versatile and can be easily adapted to fit different dietary needs. Here are some substitutions you can make to fit various dietary restrictions:

1. Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free rice or a gluten-free breadcrumb topping. For the creamy sauce, ensure you use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux.

2. Dairy-Free

• Opt for a dairy-free cheese alternative (like a vegan cheddar or mozzarella) and use coconut milk or almond milk to make a creamy sauce. Substitute dairy-free butter or olive oil when sautéing the chicken and veggies.

3. Low-Carb or Keto

• Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to keep the dish low in carbs. Cauliflower rice also soaks up the sauce and holds its texture quite well.

4. Vegetarian

• For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or more broccoli and other veggies. You can also add some beans for added protein.

5. Paleo

• Use cauliflower rice or another paleo-friendly rice alternative, and ensure you use dairy-free cheese or a cashew-based creamy sauce for the cheese element.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be assembled ahead of time. Simply prepare the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

What type of rice is best for this recipe?

White rice works best in this recipe, as it cooks well and absorbs the flavors of the broth. However, you can use brown rice for a heartier, nuttier option, though it will take longer to cook.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

How can I make the dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the dish. You can also serve the casserole with a spicy hot sauce on the side.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice is a versatile, comforting, and delicious meal that everyone can enjoy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or any time you want a hearty and satisfying dish. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli makes for a balanced meal that’s both delicious and filling.

With its endless customization options, you can adapt this recipe to fit any dietary preference or restriction. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out some advanced techniques, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking routine. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy this cheesy comfort food masterpiece!