Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction:
Welcome back ! Today, we’re diving into the ultimate comfort food: Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a rich, cheesy, homemade sauce. Then, it’s baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This dish is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a little comfort on a plate. Let’s get into it!

Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2-3 chicken breasts or thighs, diced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp seasoning blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
For the Broccoli:
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed and finely chopped
For the Rice:
1 cup Basmati rice (or your favorite rice)
2 cups water
1 tsp seasoning blend (optional)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/2 cup onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup whole milk
1 and 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:
Prep the Broccoli:
Steam the broccoli until bright green and tender. Dice it into small pieces. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:
Season the diced chicken with your seasoning blend. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook until golden and fully cooked through, making sure not to overcook.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and add it to a large mixing bowl along with the diced broccoli.

Cook the Rice:
In a pot, bring water and optional seasoning to a boil. Stir in the Basmati rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes.
Once most of the water has been absorbed, remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and add it to the bowl with the chicken and broccoli.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion, cooking until tender.
Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the mixture simmer until thickened.
Gradually stir in the whole milk and continue to cook until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture. Stir everything together until well combined.
In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the casserole mixture. Top with a layer of mozzarella and sharp cheddar cheese.
Add the remaining casserole mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.

Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the casserole on a baking sheet to catch any spills and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
For an extra golden finish, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Serve:
Let the casserole cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to slice.

Conclusion:
And there you have it—our Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole! This dish is everything you want in comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Don’t forget to pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. Thanks for cooking with me today—be sure to comment for more delicious recipes!

Created by : Divas Can Cook