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Nothing is better (or easier) than this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole. Kind of like broccoli cheddar soup meets cozy weeknight casserole. It’s healthy…ish, so darn easy, and so darn delicious. The best part…it’s made entirely in one pot and in under an hour. Grab some chicken, rice, orzo pasta, plenty of herbs, and all the broccoli you can snag. Cook everything together on the stove, add sharp cheddar cheese, and finish off in the oven to melt the cheese. Simple, but SO GOOD. The perfect weeknight casserole!
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It’s not even September yet and I am already throwing the casseroles at you guys. Yes, it’s true. I’m ready to switch things up. I’m ready for a bit of cozy, and well, I really just hope you all are ready too.
In all seriousness, this really is a perfect recipe for this time of year. The kids are all heading back to school, everyone is slowly coming back from summer vacations, and life is getting busy. Sure, it’s still hot out, but I’m feeling the autumn shift slowly creeping its way in. And with that comes dinner inspiration from my childhood. End of summer and back to school signals the part of my brain that has me thinking easy family dinners, midwest style.
I’m talking casseroles, tacos, slow cooker dinner, and soon enough, soups. Anyone else feel the same or what? It can’t just be me…
Growing up, broccoli cheddar anything was my favorite, but especially the broccoli cheddar soup from Panera bread. My other favorite? My dad’s rice bakes, which he’d make simple with so much broccoli and so much cheddar cheese. They were simple and delicious and I was so into them.
I got to thinking about combining the two together, and just like that, this recipe was formed. It’s not anything crazy creative, but I can assure you, it’s crazy delicious.
Like I said above, kind of like broccoli cheddar soup meets cozy rice casserole. And it’s is GOOD. Not nearly as soupy as soup, but not as heavy as a casserole. It’s got the perfect balance.
It all starts and ends in ONE pot. Or two if you’re like me and decide you want to bake this in a real casserole dish for the “real deal” midwest style casserole situation. I really love setting the mood.
Anyway, start with the basics. Cook your onion, add the chicken, give the chicken some time sear. Then add a touch of butter, some rice, orzo, and fresh thyme. Cook until you’ve got a nice toasty smell going, now add the broth, broccoli, and a few more seasonings. Cover and cook just like you would a normal pot of rice. Once this is finished cooking, stir in just a touch of milk for creaminess (swap in non-dairy milk, if needed), and lemon zest for a pop of freshness.
Top with cheddar cheese and bake until the cheese is melty and the broccoli on top has a little char. Finish with fresh thyme and basil from the garden and dinner is served. Easy, right?
But yet so very good. The rice underneath stays soft and creamy while the cheese on top browns. The corners of the dish will form an insanely delicious, cheesy crust. Every bite is flavor and roll your eyes back good.
If you prefer to go the vegetarian route, simply omit the chicken from the dish. It’s truly just as delicious without or without, so do what works best for you and your family.
This dish brings back all the best memories from when I was a kid, huddled around the kitchen counter, eating chicken noodle casserole with my brothers. Of course, this is a much healthier dinner option, with so much more color than mom’s (super old school) chicken noodle casserole. But all the nostalgia is still there.
And no offense to my mom or dad, but personally I love my vegetable-filled casserole a bit more than their old school version. Sometimes you have to upgrade the classics a bit, you know?
Make this one for family and friends, I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t love it.
If you make this broccoli cheddar chicken and rice casserole, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Watch The How To Video:
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice
- 1/2 cup dry orzo pasta , (use gluten free, if needed)
- 2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for topping
- 3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
- zest of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. 2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrot and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is seared, 2-3 minutes. Add the butter, rice, orzo, and thyme, and cook until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli, bay leaves, garlic powder, cayenne, and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is mostly cooked.3. Once the rice is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, milk, and 1/2 cup of cheese. If needed, transfer the rice to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheese over top the casserole. 4. Transfer to the oven and bake 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown. Serve warm with additional thyme and fresh basil.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Did you make this recipe? Please rate & comment below.
This is delicious! Did the make ahead and followed through to step 3 as noted: it was perfect!! Added an additional splash of chicken broth before heating and it came out moist and delicious!! Will definitely be making again!!
Hi Elizabeth,
Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am thrilled to hear it was enjoyed. Thanks for sharing your comment! xTieghan
Love this recipe, my sister asks me to make it every time she comes over!
Hey Abi,
I love to hear that this recipe was a winner, thanks so much for testing it out! Have a great week! xTieghan
As always – HBH gives reliable and awesome recipes. Everyone at my house loved this. It was easy and straight forward. Thanks for recipe!
Hey Becky,
Fantastic! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was enjoyed! Happy New Year!? xxT
Honestly one of the most amazing dinners I’ve ever eaten.
Hi Kathryn,
Thank you so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Merry Christmas!?? xT
This was such a favorite in our house. I’m not sure why the other reviews are giving it a hard time. It was a scrumptious homemade filling and tasty all in one meal. We’ll be adding it to our favorites. Thank you!
Hi Jessica,
Awesome! Love to hear that you liked the recipe, thanks a bunch for trying it out! Happy Holidays! xx
Hi! I am not see the how-to video on here – it seems to be missing? )):
Hi Lizzy,
Unfortunately, I do not have a video for this recipe. Please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
Could this be made in a pressure cooker? I would cook the rice and veggies in the pressure cooker and maybe cook the chicken separate. Please let me know!
Hi Miranda,
So sorry, I’ve never tried this in the instant pot so I am unsure of the results. Please let me know if you give it a try! xTieghan
This is a really amazing weeknight meal to make that produces leftovers for all week long! (For two people). These are my favorite kinds of recipes for the week. I didn’t change a thing and this turned out wonderfully.
Hey Katie,
Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed. Have a great Saturday! xTieghan
I’m hoping to make this recipe without the chicken. Any suggestions on what to change?
Hey Lauren,
You can just follow this recipe:
https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/broccoli-cheddar-orzo-bake/
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
Loved this one!
Hey Meagan,
Wonderful! Thanks so much for making this recipe, I am so glad to hear that it was enjoyed! xTieghan
This recipe is full of flavor and has a delicious, creamy texture…with a few modifications. I followed advice from other reviewers and cut the simmering time to 10 minutes, then added the lemon, coconut milk, and cheese, and put it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Any longer and the broccoli would have been mush. I also increased the liquid to 4 cups of broth and 1 cup of milk. By doing this the texture was perfectly moist! Not a requirement but I also added curry powder and it took it to another level. Highly recommend this one!
Hey Sarah,
Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I am so glad to hear it was enjoyed! Have the best day! xTieghan
This came out really good! I only made two changes: 1. Used heavy cream instead of whole milk (what I had on hand) and 2. Broiled for a few minutes at the end to melt the cheese instead of baking. I think that was key to keeping it creamy and not dry! This dish is great for using up veggies.
Hey! Thanks so much for giving this recipe a try, I really appreciate it! Happy Monday ? xTieghan
Loved this recipe! I took other people’s suggestions and 1) only cooked on the stovetop for approx. 15 minutes (instead of 20 – 25 minutes) and 2) added the broccoli with the milk and cheese. Everything turned out great and nothing was too dry or mushy. It was delicious.
Hey! Thank you so much for trying out this recipe, I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Happy Monday ? xTieghan
Tieghan – I am such a hardcore fan and have been a loyal follower from the very beginning! I love all of your recipes and have tried a TON of your recipes on the daily and own both of your cookbooks. I’ve tried making this recipe twice and while I must say – the flavor is AMAZING I think the rice absorbs SO MUCH liquid. I’ve tried adding more and the rice sucks it up completely. I would love to see a modified recipe version like a “modern chicken divan” where the rice is separate from the chicken, broccoli, cheese! Even a staub on the stove with rice on the side???? Just throwing it out there! XOXO
Hey there! Thank you so much for letting me know, I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, and I really appreciate the feedback! xxTieghan
Just made this! So easy and tasty! Like broccoli cheese soup with rice and chicken
Hey there! I am SO glad you enjoyed this recipe, thanks so much for giving it a try! 🙂 xTieghan