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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Easy Homemade Comfort Food

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A cozy and creamy casserole combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice topped with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for quick, comforting weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (Jasmine recommended)
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or substitute cream of chicken or homemade white sauce)
  • ½ cup small-curd cottage cheese (low-fat optional)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain white rice under cold water until clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with 2 ½ cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  3. While rice cooks, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add chicken pieces to skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink and lightly golden, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from heat.
  5. Steam broccoli florets until just tender but still bright green, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed chicken and onions, steamed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, cottage cheese, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine. Season with salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese and panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  9. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking. Add a splash of broth or pats of butter on top before baking if dry. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or nuts. Dairy-free adaptations include coconut yogurt and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Freshly shred cheese for best melt and texture. Multitask by steaming broccoli during last 5 minutes of rice cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, creamy chicken rice, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/creamy-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/