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chicken broccoli rice casserole

78 Pinches 1 Photo
smalltownwoman avatar
Ofallon, MO
Updated on Sep 4, 2021

Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings caramelized onions, sweet garlic, and sautéed chicken together with long grain rice and steamed broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce all topped with a buttery cracker topping. This no canned soup recipe requires a little more effort but with some helpful tips even the novice cook can handle it. My family just loves this recipe and it is always a welcome dish even with my picky son.

prep time 10 Min
cook time 55 Min
method Bake
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast cut in bite sizes pieces
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 4 cups broccoli florets cut in bite size pieces
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1 1/4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 sleeve ritz crackers crushed (32 crackers)
  • 4 tablespoons butter melted

How To Make chicken broccoli rice casserole

  • Step 1
    Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Move the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Work in batches with the chicken removing the cooked pieces to a plate and stirring the onions on the other side of the skillet. Once all the chicken has been cooked add the garlic; cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the onions and garlic.
  • Step 2
    Meanwhile add the water, butter, salt, and long grain rice to a saucepan. Heat until boiling and then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Steam the broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Step 3
    Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Step 4
    Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously while cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper, onion powder, dried marjoram, and dried thyme. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk alternating between the two. Continue whisking and cooking until smooth and slightly thickened. Turn the heat to low and whisk in 1 1/4 cups cheddar. Add the cooked chicken, rice and broccoli and stir to coat.
  • Step 5
    Spoon 1/2 the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with 1/2 cup cheddar. Spoon the rest of the chicken mixture in and top with remaining cheese. Combine the crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle it over the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is browned and the cheese is melted.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

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