Today, we’re introducing an ideal recipe for a house party: the chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe.
This casserole has all the elements that make a hearty meal: tender chicken and fresh broccoli with rice and creamy cheese.
Follow along as we break down this cheesy main course and check out the ingredients that go into it.
Is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Healthy?
Yes, this casserole is healthy.
Despite containing high-calorie ingredients like heavy cream and two types of cheese, this dish only contains 479 calories, 9.1 g saturated fat, and 565.8 mg sodium per serving.
We adjusted the seasoning and chose fresh ingredients to ensure that the nutrition facts of the dish are within the limits of our nutrition guidelines.
Thanks to chicken and cheese, this dish contains 34.4 g of protein, which is associated with benefits for muscle health.
You should always be cautious while cooking chicken as raw or undercooked chicken may cause food poisoning. The chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
Broccoli is regarded as a nutrition powerhouse, containing a host of valuable nutrients and is particularly rich in vitamin C, which may support your immune system.
It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. These nutrients may promote heart, eye, and brain health.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Chicken: We chose skinless and boneless chicken breast for this recipe. This lean cut of meat is seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, and Cajun seasoning, making it more flavorful.
- Broccoli: Broccoli’s natural flavor may not be for everyone due to its slightly bitter taste. Pairing it with cheese is a great way to overshadow its flavor profile and make it tastier.
- Rice: We chose long-grain rice for its fluffy texture after cooking. Rice adds some starch to this recipe and helps it become a complete meal.
- Sauce: Unsalted chicken broth and heavy cream are the liquids in this casserole. Their main role is cooking the rice but they also bring their light chicken flavor and creamy consistency to the casserole.
- Toppings: The three toppings of this casserole are panko breadcrumbs, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. We double down on the cheesiness with two types of cheese that are unique in their ways. Mozzarella is delicate and sour, while cheddar is firmer and more pungent. Lastly, panko breadcrumbs add some crunch to counter the cheesy goodness of the casserole.
Do I Cook the Rice Before Adding It to the Casserole?
No, you do not need to cook the rice beforehand.
The rice is cooked alongside other ingredients in the dish, which includes chicken broth and milk as the liquid components. Cooking rice simultaneously with other ingredients will allow it to absorb the flavors, therefore making it tastier.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
A casserole is a sizable meal, so there are bound to be leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them.
- Storing
This dish should last in the fridge for up to 3 days in airtight containers. If you don’t plan on eating it within 3-4 days, we recommend storing it in the freezer. Cut it into individual portions and transfer them to freezer bags or containers to extend its shelf life to 2-3 months.
- Reheating
Individual portions: Using the microwave is the most ideal method as it is quick and easy. Simply place the portion in a microwave-safe dish or container and cook in 30-second intervals until hot.
The entire dish: In this case, the oven is your best bet. Take the dish out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350 °F and bake until it’s hot throughout. Cover the dish with a lid to avoid losing moisture.
Can You Make Broccoli Rice Casserole Ahead of Time?
You sure can:
Assemble the casserole but instead of baking it, store the dish in the fridge (for up to 2 days) or in the freezer (for up to 3 months).
When it’s time to cook, take the dish out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature. If you store the casserole in the freezer, move it to the fridge and let it thaw for 24 hours before baking.
More ChickenRecipes to Try:
- Chicken Divan Recipe
- Air Fryer Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
- Chicken Tetrazzini Recipe
- Healthy Chicken And Rice Casserole Recipe
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe will be the center of attention at any party by packing a complete meal in one baking dish.
- cook TIME 50 mins
- prep TIME 10 mins
- total TIME 1 hr
- COURSE Main Course
- CUISINE Global
- SERVINGS servings
- CALORIES 478 kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 14 ozskinless boneless chicken breasts (cut into small chunks)
- 6 ozbroccoli (cut into small chunks)
- 0.8 cupuncooked long-grain rice
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 2 ozonion (minced)
- 1 tbspgarlic (minced)
- 1 cupunsalted chicken broth
- 0.5 cupmilk
- 4 tbspheavy cream
- 1 tbspall-purpose flour
- 0.3 cupplain panko breadcrumbs
- 2 ozmozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- 1.5 ozcheddar cheese
- 0.5 tspsalt
- 0.5 tsppepper
- 0.5 tsppaprika
- 0.5 tspCajun seasoning
- 2 tbspparsley (finely chopped)
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep:
Cut the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on your cutting board and cut them into thick slices against the grain. Then, cut the slices crosswise into smaller chunks.
Cut the broccoli: Use a peeler or a knife to peel off the tough outer layer of the lower half of the stalk. Slice off the stalk and turn the broccoli head upside down. Cut through the florets and rotate the head as you go to get bite-sized pieces.
Grate the cheese: Place some mozzarella in a freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up. Place a cheese grater firmly on the cutting board. Press the firm blocks of cheese against the grater and push down. Grate until you get the amount specified above.
Mince the onions: Cut the onions in half and place the cut-side down on the cutting board. Slice vertically but do not cut off the root. Turn the onion half 90 degrees and make a crosshatch pattern with the other cuts. Continue chopping with a rocking motion until minced.
Mince the garlic: Remove the garlic cloves from the bulb and peel off the skin. Give the cloves a rough chop and continue with a rocking motion until minced.
Chop the parsley: Wash parsley under running water. Bunch them together on the cutting board and chop finely.
Cook:
Caramelize the garlic and onions: Place a pan on medium heat until hot. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp garlic, and 2 oz onions. Stir for 1 minute.
Sauté the chicken: Add 14 oz chicken breasts, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning. Stir for 5 minutes.
Sauté the broccoli: Add 6 oz broccoli and 1 tbsp all-purpose flour. Stir for another 2 minutes.
Bake the casserole: Add the stir-fried mixture, 3/4 cup long-grain rice, 4 tbsp heavy cream, 1 cup unsalted chicken broth, and 1/2 cup milk to a baking dish and mix well. Bake the casserole at 400 °F for 35 minutes.
Bake the toppings: Take the dish out and sprinkle with 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 oz mozzarella cheese, and 1.5 oz cheddar cheese. Resume baking at 400 °F for 5 minutes.
Garnish and serve: Cut out the portions and sprinkle with 2 tbsp parsley. Enjoy.
NUTRITION
Luna Regina
Founder
Natalie Butler, RD, LD
Nutrition Reviewer