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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Broccoli cheddar chicken and rice casserole baked in a white oval dish, topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh herbs.
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A creamy, cheesy, and comforting one-pot Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, rice, orzo, and sharp cheddar. Perfect for cozy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup long grain white rice
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3 cups chopped broccoli florets
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Fresh basil or additional thyme, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and carrot and cook for about 5 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in cubed chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until lightly seared, 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add butter, rice, orzo, and thyme. Cook for 2-3 minutes until lightly toasted.
  5. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in broccoli, bay leaves, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and additional salt and pepper. Bring to a boil.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes, until rice is mostly cooked.
  7. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon zest, milk, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
  8. Transfer to a casserole dish (if desired), top with remaining cheese.
  9. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Garnish with fresh thyme or basil and serve warm.

Notes

  • You can use frozen broccoli in place of fresh—add it directly without thawing.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding beans or mushrooms.
  • To freeze, assemble through step 7, cool, then wrap tightly and freeze up to 3 months.
  • Reheat leftovers with a splash of broth or milk to keep rice moist.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/broccoli-cheddar-chicken-rice-casserole-recipe/