Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – a warm, filling and healthy one-pan meal that is Super Easy to make, delicious and an excellent choice for a healthy dinner. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
I have been pushing myself to eat healthy. Working at home doesn’t actually guarantee ME eating healthy food choices all the time especially when I’m always swamped with blogging work, house chores and motherly/wife duties.
Please tell me this is healthy- this right right ? Look at those veggies.
And when you have kid(s) in the house, you bet you want them to go the healthy route, too! But who says veggies and kids are absolute besties? My little fella would say it upfront that he doesn’t like a particular food. He used to love broccoli but not so much recently.
So I’m up for a healthy mission A.K.A sneak-in-those-broccoli and make ‘em look kid-friendly.
Oh boy, and never did I fail. I even tried this recipe twice before posting it up here and they both get the same approval rate from hubby and my kiddo. You should see me dancing “The Imma Way” as my son made a huge serving of this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole onto his plate. 😀
Mission accomplished!!
Now onto my second mission — that is to make you and your family love this to the point of making it frequently.
Well, aside from the fact that this dish has all the food group in one skillet, it’s also filling and money-saver. This is freezer-friendly, too. Oh yes!! Now, where are those frugal Mamas here?
You can actually cook this in big batches and in advance, transfer to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly and freeze. Just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and dump it in a greased casserole dish and reheat for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
The flavors in dish is simple yet sooo appealing. You don’t even need to sweat out during the prep stage.
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole could be your new favorite one-pan meal that is quick, healthy and tasty. Before you know it, dinner is ready to be served and devoured.
Enjoy!
Tips and Notes
- For a healthier option, you may opt to use brown rice over white rice for this recipe.
- Feel free to swap rice with quinoa or another whole grain substitute and the broccoli for any sauteed vegetables. It all depends on your and your family’s preference.
- In freezing this dish, let it cool down before transferring to a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. If you’re ready to serve it up, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 8 hours before baking it at 350 degrees for 25-35 minutes. Or you can also bake it directly from the fridge and just add another 10 minutes or so when baking.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 large or 2 chicken breasts cut into chunks(about 2 cups)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1 -2 teaspoons cajun/creole seasoning (salt free) (see notes)
- 2-3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- Parsley to garnish
- 3/4 teaspoon or more salt adjust to taste.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Season chicken cubes with salt , followed by cajun creole seasoning – salt free. Stir until thoroughly mixed
- Heat oil in a skillet, stir in the chicken , cook the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes .
- Add minced garlic , stir for about a minute, followed by chopped onion , cook until onions wilted – about 4 more minutes . Remove and set aside.
- In a 10 inch oven safe skillet add butter , as soon as butter melts whisk in flour . Continue whisking until flour is fully mixed with butter, then cook for about a minute
- Slowly add chicken broth, a little at the time, followed by the milk , you do not want to mixture to form any lumps , bring to simmer then turn down to medium so it simmers gently and thickens into a cream sauce -about 6 -8 minutes.
- An easy way to gauge this is if the sauce coats the back of a wooden spoon, and a path with your finger.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the rice, broccoli , and ½ cup cheese and chicken. Stir add creole seasoning,salt , mix – adjust seasonings to liking .Top with remaining cheese .
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-30 minutes or until heated through.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition Information:
Robin says
Just made this and it is so good! Thank you for another great recipe. Have a blessed weekend.
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Robin. I am so thrilled you loved this recipe! Thank you for the feedback! Have a blessed weekend too :)!
Krista says
This recipe is so flavourful and tasty! Even my super picky boyfriend loves it. Thanks!
imma africanbites says
Thank you, Krista. So glad you two love this. Happy weekend!
Leslie says
Looking for something simple to throw together and I am interested in trying this
2 questions ..
Can I do frozen broccoli?
What kind of cheese can I use ? Those process bag kind or a block of cheese ..
imma africanbites says
Hi, Leslie. Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. As for the cheese, any cheese that is a semi hard or hard, creamy texture would likely do just fine (Jack, colby, and swiss cheeses). Hope this helps.
Stacy says
This was DELICIOUS and devoured by my family, including two teenagers who don’t usually love casseroles. I had rotisserie chicken on hand so just switched the order of things a bit, adding in the seasoning with the butter, onions, and garlic. I also doubled the recipe and we are all looking forward to leftovers tomorrow night. Thank you! I’m adding this to our regular rotation.
imma africanbites says
Yaaay! This makes a comforting meal for this season. 🙂
Fika Mancera says
I have made so many of your recipes and I forget to stop back to let you know. I actually made this today and I must say it was fabulously delicious. My youngest daughter does hates broccoli, but she ate this. The seasoning was so good, that we did not need anything once the meal was finally done. Bravo for another great and simple recipe.
imma africanbites says
Thank you for letting me know, Fika! It really means a lot to me especially when kids dig in my recipes. 🙂 Have a lovely Sunday!
Kari’s Kitchen says
What made you give it 4 stars over 5?
Linda says
Absolutely delicious!!! I can’t stop eating!!!
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! Thanks for the feedback!
Cait says
This was soooo good! I love the simplicity but perfect blend of flavours. A lot of casserole recipes get so complicated which to me goes against the point of a casserole. The cajun spice is like a secret ingredient though. It totally made it extra delicious.
imma africanbites says
The cajun seasoning truly works like magic. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment for this post, Cait! Enjoy your day!
Gracia says
Please what can I use as a substitute for cheddar cheese
ImmaculateBites says
Any cheese that is a semi hard or hard, creamy texture would likely do just fine (Jack, colby, and swiss cheeses) all work.
Crystal says
Is the broccoli added raw? Making it tonight
ImmaculateBites says
Yes it is. Happy Cooking!!!
Frank says
Made this 3 times and so delish each time
Thanks
Frank
ImmaculateBites says
3 Times? WOO HOO! Glad to hear it’s on the menu. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know!!
SquirrellyTots says
I made this recipe and it was an absolute hit. I left out the Cajun spice in honor of my youngest who has no stomach for “strong” spices. I also added chopped bacon pieces which I already had on hand and needed a purpose. I was commanded to add this to the meal rotation with hearty assent from the whole table. A real compliment. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe. This working mom relishes new, family friendly meal ideas.
ImmaculateBites says
YES! Am so glad to hear it was a hit with the whole family! Many thanks to your household. So happy you would take time out to share your thoughts with us.
Deitra Nemore says
First time making and tasting a casserole, and I am so excited to say that it is AMAZING! Definitely flavorful and convenient to make. Cannot wait to explore the other recipes provided!
Sharon Clark says
An excellent recipe. Everyone commented how good it was. I’m looking forward to the Blackened Salmon and Sautéed Vegetables. That looks delicious too!
ImmaculateBites says
YESS!! You are going to love that one too! I make it alllll the time . Thanks for taking the time to share this with me Sharon!
Francene Greene says
This recipe looks simple AND amazing! I will be delivering one casserole to my neighbor this weekend—and one to my freezer!
Many thanks,
Francene
ImmaculateBites says
Hi Francene! Your neighbor would love it! ! Thanks for stopping by
James | Thyme to Mango says
Easy, healthy, creamy comfort food, I love it! Always looking out for those chaotic weekday recipes for when my cooking enthusiasm is at an all time low! Adding this one to that list!
ImmaculateBites says
Awesome! It’s perfect for those chaotic days!