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Why Make This Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and tasty dish that combines chicken, broccoli, and cheese into one satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty but easy to prepare. Plus, it includes healthy ingredients like broccoli and carrots, making it a great choice for families.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb Chicken breasts, boneless
2 Bay leaves
3 cups Broccoli florets
3 Carrots, chopped
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1/2 Lemon, zest of
2 tbsp Thyme, fresh leaves
1 Yellow onion, chopped
3 1/2 cups Chicken broth, low sodium
1/2 cup Whole milk or canned coconut milk
1 1/2 cups Basmati or jasmine rice
1/2 cup Orzo pasta, dry
1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp Olive oil, extra virgin
2 tbsp Butter, salted
1 1/2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp, shredded

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and broccoli florets. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet along with the garlic powder, bay leaves, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides.
Stir in the rice, orzo, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil, sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve the casserole warm, right out of the oven. It’s wonderful on its own or with a simple side salad. You can also add more cheese if you love a cheesy flavor!

How to Store Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Make sure to chop the vegetables evenly for even cooking.
Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
You can add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra color and nutrition.

Variation

If you’re looking for a lighter version, try using turkey instead of chicken or replacing the cheddar cheese with a lower-fat option. For a vegetarian dish, you can omit the chicken and add more veggies or beans.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! You can use frozen broccoli florets. Just add them directly to the skillet without thawing.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it and refrigerate it overnight. Just add a bit of extra baking time if it is cold from the fridge.

What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No problem! You can simply omit the orzo or substitute it with another small pasta like ditalini or even quinoa for a different texture.