Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole—a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Packed with tender bites of chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and fluffy white rice, this casserole is smothered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce that’s made from scratch. A buttery panko and Parmesan breadcrumb topping adds the perfect golden crunch to every forkful, making it irresistibly satisfying. Ready in just about an hour, this recipe brings wholesome ingredients and classic flavors together in one easy, savory bake. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or simply indulging in a warm, cheesy hug on a plate!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pieces chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the chicken to the saucepan, season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Step 5

Mince the 2 garlic cloves and add them to the chicken, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the saucepan and set aside.

Step 7

In the same saucepan, add the broccoli florets. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and slightly tender, then set aside with the chicken.

Step 8

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.

Step 9

Add the 3 tablespoons of flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it is lightly golden.

Step 10

Gradually whisk in the 2 cups of chicken broth and 1.5 cups of milk, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes.

Step 11

Stir in the 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 12

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to make sure everything is coated evenly.

Step 13

Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 14

In a small bowl, mix 0.5 cup of panko bread crumbs with 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 15

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 16

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.

Step 17

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2423.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3340.8

Total Fat 163.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.7g
Cholesterol 602.4mg	0%
Sodium 8314.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.8g	0%
Total Sugars 22.8g
Protein 188.6g	0%

Vitamin D 167.8IU	0%
Calcium 2698.3mg	0%
Iron 16.6mg	0%
Potassium 2017.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.8%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 33.7%