Introduction
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with a Parmesan Crust is the ultimate comfort dish that brings together juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy, cheesy rice. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, wholesome meal that the whole family will love. With a crisp Parmesan crust, this dish combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese with the mild crunch of freshly baked broccoli, creating a delightful texture and flavor in every bite. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and delivers big on taste.
Ingredients
- For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-18 minutes). Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch it by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. For frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.
Step 4: Cook the Onion and Garlic
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, paprika, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Mix with Rice
- Stir in the cooked rice until well combined, ensuring that the cheese sauce coats every grain of rice evenly.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Transfer the cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Make the Parmesan Crust
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 9: Top the Casserole
- Sprinkle the Parmesan crust mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe.
- Rice: You can substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice for a healthier version, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Cheese: Feel free to use other cheese varieties like Gruyère or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color.
- A side of garlic bread pairs well with this cheesy, hearty dish.
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until hot.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Protein: 30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 42 grams
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with a Parmesan Crust is the kind of recipe that turns a hectic weeknight into a satisfying family dinner. The creamy, cheesy rice combined with tender chicken and broccoli, topped with a crispy, flavorful crust, makes for a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or prepping meals for the week, this dish will not disappoint. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
PrintCheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with a Parmesan Crust
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- For the Main Dish:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 ½ cups uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Parmesan Crust:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is fully cooked (about 15-18 minutes). Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch it by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then transfer it to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. For frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.
Step 4: Cook the Onion and Garlic
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, paprika, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Mix with Rice
- Stir in the cooked rice until well combined, ensuring that the cheese sauce coats every grain of rice evenly.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
- Transfer the cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 8: Make the Parmesan Crust
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Step 9: Top the Casserole
- Sprinkle the Parmesan crust mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 10: Bake
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Step 11: Serve
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 30g