Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
This comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice melds creamy goodness with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, perfect for holiday feasts.
As the leaves turn to vibrant shades of gold and crimson and the air carries a crispness that whispers of the holidays to come, I'm reminded of how important it is to gather around the table with those we love. There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy dish that brings everyone together, especially as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach. Today, I'm excited to share my favorite recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice, a creamy, flavorful dish that's perfect for any festive gathering in New York City.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Warm and cheesy comfort food perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to prepare with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile recipe that allows for customization with seasonal vegetables.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table.
Ingredients
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice recipe combines a delightful mix of ingredients that create a creamy, flavorful dish.
Main Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (preferably long-grain white rice)
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice (Step-by-Step)
This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice dish that everyone will enjoy.
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
If using fresh broccoli, blanch it to keep its vibrant color and slight crunch. Boil it for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent, filling your kitchen with a sweet aroma.
Step 3: Garlic and Chicken
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then add the shredded chicken. Let it warm through for 3-4 minutes, enhancing the flavors.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, enjoying the creamy texture as it develops.
Step 5: Incorporate Rice and Broccoli
Once simmering, stir in the cooked rice and blanched broccoli. Gently fold these ingredients to ensure even coating, creating a colorful dish.
Step 6: Cheesy Goodness
Reduce the heat to low and mix in half of each type of cheese, letting it melt into the warm rice mixture for heavenly bites.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Step 8: Serve
Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving, enticing everyone with the creamy, cheesy aroma.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Cold Ingredients: Ensure that your chicken and rice are at room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients can result in uneven heating and texture.
- Overcooking the Broccoli: If you're using fresh broccoli, keep it slightly firm to maintain its vibrant color and bite; no one likes mushy broccoli in their cheesy dish.
- Omitting the Resting Time: Don't skip letting the dish sit after baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes scooping easier.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For an extra punch of flavor, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.
- Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey, which is deliciously festive around Thanksgiving.
- This dish is just as delightful when made ahead of time. Prepare it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge to bake later in the week.
Variations
- Substitute cooked quinoa for rice for a gluten-free option.
- Add seasonal vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gouda or pepper jack, for varied flavor profiles.
How to Serve
- Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Pair with crusty bread or rolls to scoop up every cheesy bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Freezing: Can be frozen before baking; thaw in the refrigerator and bake as instructed.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While testing this recipe, I realized how versatile it truly is, as you can easily customize it with seasonal vegetables or even grains like quinoa. It's a dependable dish that always finds a way into my holiday meal plans, making it a cherished favorite for family gatherings.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 23g protein · 30g carbs · 18g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then plunge into an ice bath.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, then add the shredded chicken. Let it warm through for 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Once simmering, stir in the cooked rice and blanched broccoli, folding them gently to ensure even coating.
- Reduce the heat to low and mix in half of each type of cheese, letting it melt into the mixture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain it before adding it to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply substitute the chicken with a meat alternative, like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish, cover it, and refrigerate it for a day or two before baking. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
