Description
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Optional Ritz cracker topping for added crunch. A comforting classic!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 4 cups (16 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Cool slightly and shred or dice.
- Cook the Rice: Combine rice, chicken broth, and salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Steam broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp, or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or sauté in olive oil with salt and pepper for 8-10 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add the Topping (Optional): Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and topping is golden brown. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the chicken, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute other cheeses in the sauce, such as Gruyere or Colby Jack.
- You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
- The nutmeg in the cheese sauce is optional, but it adds a nice warmth to the dish.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for the topping.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes