Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Immaculate Bites

Have this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for a weeknight!

When I say it’s quick and easy, I really mean it! Especially if you have leftover rice. Approximately 20 minutes to prepareMix the ingredients together and then Bake in the oven for 15 to 30 minutes.Casseroles are perfect for those days when you don’t feel like making an elaborate meal, but still want a home-cooked meal.

Ingredients List

1. chicken – To make this hearty casserole, you only need 1-2 large chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. broccoli – Broccoli florets add color, flavor, and texture to this dish, and when drizzled with a gorgeous cheese sauce, it’s the perfect way to get kids excited about eating their veggies.
3. Aromatic compounds – Garlic and onion add flavour and an intriguing aroma to this dish.
4. Rice – This recipe only calls for about 1 1/2 cups of cooked rice, so it’s a great way to use up any leftovers you have.
5. cheese – I chose cheddar cheese for this dish, but you can use any melting cheese you like. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Fontina, anything. 🧀
6. Ingredients for the sauce – For the creamy sauce that holds it all together, you’ll need butter, flour, chicken broth, milk and salt. Simple but delicious!

How to Make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Casserole

Prepare the ingredients

• preheat Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• season Sprinkle salt on the cubed chicken, Salt-free Cajun Creole SeasoningStir until the flavors are well combined.
• heat Add oil to a frying pan, add the chicken and fry for 3 to 5 minutes. (Photo 1)
• Sauté Aromatic compounds – Next, add the minced garlic and fry for about 1 minute, followed by the minced onion. Fry for about 4 more minutes until the onion is soft. Remove from the pan and set aside.
• Roo – Add butter to a 10-inch ovenproof skillet. As soon as the butter is melted, whisk in the flour. Continue whisking until the butter has completely absorbed the flour, then cook for about 1 minute. (Photo 2)
• sauce – While stirring, slowly add the chicken broth followed by the milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and bring to a gentle simmer to reduce to a creamy sauce, which should take 6-8 minutes. (Photo 3)

bake

• assemble – Remove from heat and stir in chicken, rice, broccoli, and ½ cup cheese. Stir well and add Creole seasoning and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste and top with remaining cheese. (Photos 4-5)
• bakeCook, uncovered, at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 30 minutes or until heated through. (Photo 6)
• serve – To avoid the cheese burning your mouth, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving warm.

Recipe Variations

1. Use other vegetablesFeel free to add carrots, peas, corn, or any other veggies you like.
2. Try a different meatYou can also use ground chicken, ground turkey, pork fillets, or shrimp.
3. Try carbohydratesInstead of rice, try egg noodles or your favorite pasta. Quinoa, brown rice, and other grains are also delicious.
4. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Crockpot versionPlace in a slow cooker and leave on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.

Notes and Tips

1. Slowly add the milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly, this will help keep the sauce from lumping.
2. When mixing the flour with the melted butter, allow it to sit for about 2 minutes to allow the butter to be absorbed, which will also help prevent the sauce from clumping.
3. Is the sauce thick enough? An easy way to tell is if it sticks to the back of a wooden spoon and you can run your finger through it.

Preliminary steps

You can cook this in large quantities ahead of time, cool and transfer to freezer-safe containers, cover tightly and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat for lunches and dinners throughout the week.

You can also assemble this dish but wait until the next day to bake it, then when you’re ready to serve it, bake it in the oven for about 30 minutes. 😅

How to serve and store

Remove Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole from the oven and serve warm. Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave.

What goes well with chicken broccoli rice casserole?

I love eating this with casserole. Tearable Garlic Bread Rolls And soon Wedge SaladTo finish off the meal Sweet tea Drink Sweet potato pie For dessert. 😋

Winners to try on weeknights

1. Stir-fried chicken
2. Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese
3. Ground beef and cabbage
4. Slow Cooker Beef Stew
5. 4-Ingredient Oven-Baked Pork Chops

This post was originally published in September 2017 and has been updated with additional tips and beautiful, inviting photography.