American

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

This from-scratch casserole borrows the creamier, more balanced technique from Trisha Yearwood and Food Network Kitchen, but skips canned soup so the sauce tastes clean and savory. The broccoli stays bright, the rice cooks through in the casserole itself, and the cheese finishes the dish with a proper baked crust.

  • Adapted from Trisha Yearwood's Chicken Broccoli Casserole and Food Network Kitchen's Chicken, Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
  • Primary source foodnetwork.com
60 mins Low cost Serves 4
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh ProteinHigh CarbMake AheadMeal Prep FriendlyComfort Food

At a Glance

Time
60 mins
Serves
4
Cost
Low
Cuisine
American
Dietary fit
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and brown the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until the outside looks golden but the centers are still undercooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
  2. Lower the heat to medium and cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft, then add the garlic for 30 seconds. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute so it loses its raw edge, then whisk in the broth, milk, Dijon, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce is lightly thickened and smooth.
  3. Stir in the rice and return the chicken to the skillet. Cover tightly and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and fold in the broccoli and cheddar so the cheese melts into the rice and the broccoli starts to steam.
  4. Return the skillet to the oven and bake 15 to 18 minutes more until the rice is tender, the chicken is cooked through, the broccoli is bright green, and the sauce looks creamy rather than soupy. Sprinkle the Parmesan over the top and bake 2 minutes more if you want extra browning.
  5. Finish with lemon juice and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Adaptations

Easy Swap
  • Gluten-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
  • Dairy-Free: Easy Swap Easy swap; see the adaptation note below.
  • Vegetarian: Not Vegetarian Not adaptable; this recipe is built around meat, poultry, or seafood.

How to adapt: Use certified gluten-free flour and broth, plus dairy-free milk and cheese if needed; the casserole still bakes as one pan with the same texture and timing.

Community Rating

Be first to rate

Loading ratings…