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cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole - featured image

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Best Self-Care Comfort Meal

  • Author: Liliana
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, comforting casserole made with tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich cheddar sauce. Perfect for using leftovers and providing a warm, nourishing meal after a long day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1.5 cups long-grain white rice (uncooked)
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Rinse rice under cold water. Place in a pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook for exactly 2 minutes. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Drain well.
  4. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Stir in softened cream cheese, chicken broth, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  6. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and half of the cheddar cheese. Pour sauce over the top and fold to combine.
  7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  9. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Blanching broccoli and using an ice bath keeps it vibrant green and prevents sogginess. For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking. This dish freezes well unbaked for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, comfort food, self-care meal, creamy chicken casserole, easy dinner, leftover chicken recipes, family friendly meals

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Find it online: https://dinnerecipeshub.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-best-self-care-comfort-meal/