Description

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy brown rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 cups brown rice (cooked)
6 cups fresh broccoli (cut into small florets)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

1 small onion (diced)
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
2 cups milk
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)
2 tablespoons curly parsley (freshly chopped to garnish)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Season the chicken with some salt and pepper and drizzle over with 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well to coat, then place it in a 2 qt casserole dish; arrange in a single layer to ensure even cooking.

Bake into the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking prepare sauce. In a skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add flour and whisk quickly for about a minute or so. Carefully pour in the milk and continue whisking; as the mixture starts to bubble add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stirring thoroughly, let the mixture simmer on low, until thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat and add 1-1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, whisk well until cheese is melted.

Remove the casserole dish from the oven.

Add a layer of cooked rice and then broccoli florets. Pour the prepared cheese sauce on top and gently toss to coat.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes more, until the broccoli is tender, and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the sauce.
You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 420
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, Casserole, Easy, Comfort Food