Description

This Emergency Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting and flavorful one-dish meal featuring tender chicken pieces, creamy seasoned rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients with minimal prep, baking everything together for a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders, cut into 1.5cm (2/3 inch) pieces
½ teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon vegetable or chicken stock powder
1 tablespoon olive oil

Liquid and Rice Mixture

2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth/stock
2 ½ cups milk (any type)
1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vegetable or chicken stock powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Vegetables and Cheese

2 large broccoli heads, cut into florets
2 cups shredded cheese (such as cheddar or a cheese blend)
2 green onions, finely sliced

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Instructions

Preheat and Season Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), or 350°F (180°C) if using a fan/convection oven. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with dried thyme, garlic powder, black pepper, ½ teaspoon of stock powder, and olive oil, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Heat Liquids: Warm the chicken broth and milk together in a saucepan over medium heat until hot but not boiling, which will help the rice cook evenly in the casserole.
Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly. Sprinkle the flour, 1 teaspoon of stock powder, and minced garlic over the rice. Pour the hot chicken broth into the dish and stir gently, then add the warm milk. Top this mixture evenly with broccoli florets, seasoned chicken pieces, and dot with unsalted butter.
Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole uncovered in the oven and bake for 40 minutes. After this time, check the rice for tenderness to ensure it is cooked through.
Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the casserole from the oven and stir in half of the shredded cheese to incorporate it throughout. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top and return the dish to the oven just until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and garnish with finely sliced green onions. Serve warm for a delicious, comforting meal.

Notes

Using hot broth and milk helps the rice cook uniformly and ensures a creamy texture.
If you prefer, substitute broccoli with another vegetable like cauliflower or green beans.
Adjust the cheese type according to your preference; sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend works well.
To make it lower in fat, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Ensure the casserole is fully cooked by checking that the rice is tender before serving.