Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Cook the Chicken: In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chicken pieces, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook until no longer pink on the outside, approximately 5 minutes.
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Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the uncooked rice and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 12 minutes.
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Add Broccoli: After 12 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the skillet, stir to combine, cover, and continue to cook for an additional 8 minutes, or until both the rice and broccoli are tender.
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Combine with Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and milk until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the chicken, rice, and broccoli. Add ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the sour cream, stirring until everything is well combined.
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Add Topping: If desired, in a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the cracker or breadcrumb mixture.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
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Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time; simply add it to the skillet along with the broccoli.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.