Ingredients
Chicken and Rice Casserole Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups white long grain rice, rinsed
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 cups water
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1×1-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper, mixing well to evenly coat.
- Brown the chicken: Preheat a pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When hot, add the chicken cubes and brown on all sides for 5-7 minutes, forming a flavorful crust but not cooking through. For larger quantities, brown in batches to avoid overcrowding and steaming.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Transfer browned chicken to a plate. In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds to release aroma.
- Add chicken and rice: Return the browned chicken to the pan, then add rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid.
- Cook rice partially and add broccoli: After 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped broccoli florets. Cover and continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Preheat oven and prepare casserole: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). When the rice and vegetables are cooked, stir in the milk and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Bake with cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Notes
- Do not cook the chicken fully when browning; it finishes cooking in the casserole.
- Overcrowding the pan while browning chicken will cause it to steam rather than brown.
- Stir occasionally while cooking rice to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables such as cauliflower or green beans.
- For a creamier casserole, you may add a splash more milk or a dollop of sour cream before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American