Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Easy Meal Prep Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, complete meal perfect for busy weeknights or make-ahead meal prep. Simple ingredients, satisfying flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Creamy Embrace
04 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 -
1/2 cup heavy cream
06 -
1 tsp dried thyme
07 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garden Freshness
09 -
4 cups broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
10 -
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
11 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Aromatic Accents
12 -
1 tbsp olive oil
13 -
Salt and pepper to taste
14 -
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Dice 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1/2 chopped yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute more.
02 -
Add the diced chicken to the pot, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice and toast for 1 minute. Pour in 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15 minutes until rice is almost tender.
03 -
While the rice cooks, in a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir well until thoroughly mixed. This creamy embrace will be key to your delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep.
04 -
Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 4 cups broccoli florets into the chicken and rice mixture. Pour the prepared creamy cheese sauce over everything, gently folding to combine. Transfer the entire mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish if not using an oven-safe pot.
05 -
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep is bubbly, heated through, and the broccoli is tender-crisp.
06 -
Let the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set. Garnish with 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant finish.
# Notes:
01 -
For a quicker meal, use 3 cups of cooked shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts.
02 -
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This casserole also freezes well for future meal prep.
03 -
Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the creamy sauce for a subtle kick.
04 -
Ensure your broccoli florets are cut into similar sizes for even cooking and tender-crisp texture.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Sharp knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
06 -
Mixing spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 630 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 52 g