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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Youssef

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

A hearty, family-friendly dish blending tender shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and hearty rice. This casserole combines comfort and simplicity with a golden, bubbly finish. Customize with dairy-free options and gluten-free flour for dietary needs.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups chicken thighs, diced and cooked
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or paleo/grain-free)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar or pencil blue for bold flavor)
  • 1 cup milk (or lactose-free milk)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (or clarified butter for dairy-free)
  • 2 tablespoons flour (or gluten-free flour as needed)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic (white or granulated)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • Greek yogurt, optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a smooth paste
  3. Gradually add milk while stirring continuously until combined
  4. Cook mixture over medium heat to a gentle simmer, stirring until thickened
  5. Season with garlic and salt/pepper, then remove from heat and stir in cheese until fully melted
  6. In a large bowl, mix sautéed chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese sauce until evenly coated
  7. Press the mixture into the prepared dish, top with remaining cheese and optional breadcrumbs
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbling
  9. Let cool slightly before serving for cleaner slices

Notes

For best results, use pre-cooked rice left at room temperature to avoid sogginess
Greek yogurt thins the sauce and adds tangy flavor if available
Broccoli stems can be roasted with breadcrumbs or reserved for broth
Store leftovers in an airtight container in fridge for up to 3 days