Description
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, wholesome dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich, velvety sauce. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this casserole balances ease of preparation with heartwarming flavors and a creamy texture that satisfies every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Grains
- 1 cup long grain white or brown rice
Dairy and Creamy Base
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Liquids and Broth
- 1½ cups chicken broth (warm)
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Steam the broccoli florets in a separate pot just until they are tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and nutrients.
- Cook the Rice: While the chicken cooks, prepare the rice according to the package instructions until fluffy and fully cooked, ensuring it can absorb the casserole’s creamy sauce.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream, stirring continuously until smooth and combined. Pour in the warm chicken broth along with salt, black pepper, and dried herbs, stirring to create a rich, velvety sauce.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in your casserole dish, gently combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheese, and creamy sauce. Mix carefully to evenly coat everything without breaking up the chicken or broccoli.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use warm chicken broth to prevent lumps in the creamy sauce and speed up melting.
- Do not overcook broccoli; steam it just until bright green and crisp-tender.
- Stir in fresh parsley or thyme at the end to enhance flavor and freshness.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Choose sharp cheddar or aged cheese to add a deeper flavor and balance the richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, broccoli rice bake, comfort food, family dinner, one dish meal, creamy chicken broccoli rice