Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and hearty—the ultimate cozy family dinner. Tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and orzo are cooked together in a flavorful broth, then baked with sharp cheddar until bubbly and golden. It’s comfort food made simple, perfect for busy nights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average casserole—it’s made entirely from scratch with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The rice and orzo soak up all the seasonings, the broccoli keeps things fresh, and the sharp cheddar ties everything together with gooey, cheesy goodness. With one pot for cooking and a quick bake at the end, this dish is hearty, homemade, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

• 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 tablespoons 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 (adjust to taste)

• Zest of 1/2 lemon

• 1/2 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk

• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and carrot, cooking 5 minutes until fragrant. Stir in chicken, season with salt and pepper, and sear 2–3 minutes.

3. Add butter, rice, orzo, and thyme. Toast 2–3 minutes until lightly golden. Stir in broth. Add broccoli, bay leaves, garlic powder, cayenne, and more salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and cook 20–25 minutes until rice is nearly tender.

4. Stir in lemon zest, milk, and 1/2 cup cheddar. If needed, transfer mixture to a greased oven-safe dish. Top with remaining cheese.

5. Bake uncovered 15–20 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown. Garnish with thyme and serve warm.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Calories: approximately 744 kcal per serving

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo (such as DeLallo brand) or omit it and increase rice.

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth for a cheesy broccoli rice casserole.

• Protein swap: Use shredded rotisserie chicken to save time.

• Extra cheesy: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for a gooey cheese pull.

• Add crunch: Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly, or microwave single portions with a splash of broth.

• Freeze: Assemble through step 3, cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 15 minutes and add extra broth if needed.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble through step 3, refrigerate up to 2 days, then bake as directed.

What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Gruyère, fontina, or a cheddar blend also work.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, thaw before adding so it doesn’t release too much liquid.

Do I need to precook the chicken?

No, it cooks in the pot with the rice, saving time and dishes.

Can I leave out the orzo?

Yes, simply increase the rice slightly or add another vegetable.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

Cover with foil if baking too long and add a splash of broth when reheating.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, stir it in after cooking the rice to skip the searing step.

Is this casserole spicy?

It has a mild kick from cayenne—reduce or omit for a milder flavor.

What sides go well with this?

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and full of wholesome ingredients. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a cheesy topping, it’s a family-friendly recipe that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or cozy dinners all year round

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