Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Easy Meal Prep Dinner (Print Version)
Hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, complete meal. Simple to prepare, it's ideal for busy weeknights and excellent for meal prepping.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 1/2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
03 -
4 cups fresh broccoli florets (about 1 lb)
→ The Velvety Sauce
04 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 -
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 -
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 -
1 cup milk (2% or whole)
10 -
1/2 cup sour cream
11 -
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
→ Aromatic Seasonings
12 -
1 tsp dried thyme
13 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
14 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Crispy Crown
16 -
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
17 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
# Instructions:
01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook 1.5 cups uncooked long-grain white rice according to package directions. Cut 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Steam or blanch 4 cups fresh broccoli florets until tender-crisp, then set aside.
02 -
In a large skillet, cook the cubed 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper. This prepares a hearty core for your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep.
03 -
For The Velvety Sauce, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced, and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
04 -
Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup milk (2% or whole), bringing to a simmer until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup sour cream, 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
05 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked 1.5 cups long-grain white rice, steamed 4 cups fresh broccoli florets, and the cheesy sauce. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
06 -
In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted. Sprinkle this Crispy Crown mixture evenly over the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
07 -
Remove the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | Comforting Meal Prep from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes for easier, cleaner portions. Enjoy this comforting meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Meal Prep Tip: This casserole is excellent for meal prep! Divide into individual portions after cooling completely and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently.
02 -
Veggie Swap: Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other quick-cooking vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or chopped bell peppers. Add them in with the cooked chicken and rice.
03 -
Creamier Sauce: For an even richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk, or add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream. Adjust seasonings as needed.
04 -
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
9x13 inch baking dish
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Large skillet or Dutch oven
04 -
Cutting board
05 -
Knife
06 -
Measuring cups and spoons
07 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 554 kcal
Total Fat: 25 g
Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
Protein: 49 g