One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s a recipe for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s delicious, easy to prepare, and perfect for a comforting dinner!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of your favorites)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra creaminess)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
   • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
   • In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Cook Rice:
   • Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it’s coated in the oil and onion mixture.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine.
   • Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice cook for about 15-18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. Add Broccoli:
   • Add the broccoli florets to the pot, stirring them into the rice.
   • Cover again and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
5. Add Seasonings and Cheese:
   • Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, return the chicken to the pot.
   • Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and thyme (if using). Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts and combines with the rice mixture. If you’d like a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of butter at this stage.
6. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the casserole warm, and enjoy!

Tips:

• If you prefer, you can use cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!).
• For a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
• Feel free to add other veggies like peas or carrots for more flavor and color.

This dish is a one-pan wonder and is sure to be a hit with your family!