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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!
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.
Servings: 6
Calories Per Serving: 744 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
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.Â
Notes
To Make Ahead:Â Prepare the casserole through step 3. Let cool, then cover and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. To bake, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temp while the oven preheats. Bake as directed.Â
To Freeze: Prepare the casserole through step 3. Let cool, then cover tightly. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 2-3 hours. Bake as directed.Â
Gluten Free Orzo: I love DeLallo brand gluten free orzo.Â
Can I substitute rice for the orzo ?
Hi Gina,
I would recommend using arborio rice as that will have a similar cook time to the orzo. Please let me know if you give this recipe a try, I hope it turns out amazing for you! xx
Everyone enjoyed this. My husband ate the leftovers for breakfast. We liked the little bit of heat in it.
Hi Andrea,
Happy Monday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so excited to hear that it was a hit! xx
Quick and easy weeknight meal. The orzo is a great addition that took a classic chicken and rice to a new level. I’ve never really loved chicken and rice casserole type recipes and wasn’t sure what would be different with this one – I think it’s the orzo. Best chicken and rice made without cream soup.
Hi Christina,
Happy Monday! Thanks a lot for trying this recipe out, I am so excited to hear that it was a hit! xx
I don’t have orzo. Can I just use an extra 1/2 cup of rice in lieu of it?
Hi Brittany,
Arborio rice will work best for you here based on the cook time:) Please let me know if you have any other questions, I hope you love the recipe! xx
So delicious, I add extra broccoli and replace the rice with cauliflower rice…wish I could eat this every day!!
Hi Kate,
Thanks for your review and trying this recipe out, I love to hear that it was a winner! Have the best Thursday! ?xTieghan
This looks so good. It’s too bad your recipes can’t be pinned, so that they’re easy to find. I don’t really have time to look for recipes and like to pin them when I find them, but, if I do find time to search I will look for this recipe.
Hi Lesley,
All of my recipes can easily be pinned by clicking on any of the photos:) Please let me know if you have any other questions! xTieghan
This is such a cozy meal! It’s a bit more sophisticated (meaning this in the best way!) than your basic chicken, rice and broccoli casserole. The flavors are outstanding and makes GREAT leftovers!
Hey Sam,
Wonderful!! Thanks a bunch for trying this recipe out, I am so glad to hear that it was enjoyed!! ?xxT
Ok so… always looking for an elevated, affordable, tasty meal and THIS IS IT. I’ve been making it every Sunday the last month and having leftovers for lunch. So good right out of the pan, so good reheated, so so so good and so easy. Love the rice and orzo combo. Love the subtle heat of the cayenne. Love the brightness of the lemon zest. Just surprising how good this is and you gotta do it.
Hi Tess,
Awesome!! I am so glad that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks for your comment and sharing your feedback! xxT
Delicious!!!!
Hey Sara,
Wonderful!! I love to hear that this recipe was enjoyed, thanks so much for making it. Have the best week:) xx
Made this for dinner this evening. It is absolutely delicious. It also presents beautifully! It came together very quickly. Definitely will become a staple. Thanks so much. Love your recipes.
Hi there,
Wonderful!! Thanks a lot for giving this recipe a try, I love to hear that it was a winner! xTieghan
Our family of 5 loves this meal. My 6 year old was so excited I’m making this again.
Hey Bre,
Happy Friday!! I am thrilled that this recipe was a hit, thanks so much for trying it out!! xx
What do you think about subbing quinoa for the rice and orzo? Trying to avoid pasta/rice but I LOVE this recipe.
Hey Holly,
I bet that would work well for you, I haven’t tested it so let me know how it goes! xTieghan
I made this last night and everyone loved it!! Not surprised- your recipes are always so good! Thank you for sharing!
Side note: I didn’t have orzo and used a little more rice instead and it worked well.
Hey Samantha,
Awesome!! Thanks a lot for making this recipe, I love to hear that it was a hit. Have the best week:) xx
Niece just made this for us. Delish great flavor; right combo of meat, rice and veggies. Ready to make myself. And mostly healthy ?
Hey Jeannie,
So glad to hear this recipe was enjoyed!! Thanks for sharing:) xTieghan
Is there any way to make this recipe and leave out the orzo? I don’t have gluten free orzo and want to make this! Sounds delish – and my family eats anything blanketed in cheese. ha ha.
Hi! You could use extra rice. I’ve made it before and just used extra rice in the place of the Orzo when I didn’t have Orzo. 🙂
Thanks Jessica!!
Hey Gwen,
Sure, you skip the orzo, just reduce the liquid, or leave the liquid and add a touch more rice! Let me know if you give the recipe a try, I hope you love it! xTieghan