Chicken Casserole

Tender chicken and rice cooks slowly in the oven.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Western

Diet: Gluten Free

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1

Servings:

Calories: 290kcal

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C.
Melt butter in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for a bout 5 minutes until tender and translucent. Transfer to a plate.
In the same pan, cook the chicken breast pieces for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You are browning the chicken in this step and do not need to worry if the chicken is cooked through at this point.
In a large covered baking dish or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, rice, cooked chicken, sauteed onions, salt, pepper and one cup of cheddar. Stir well to combine.
Cover with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes in the oven.
While the casserole bakes, blanch the broccoli florets by dropping them into salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Transfer cooked broccoli to ice water to stop the cooking then drain the broccoli.
Remove the casserole from the oven and stir to combine.
Top with the broccoli and the remaining cheese. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Serve immediately.

Chop the chicken, onion, and broccoli ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce prep time on the day you cook.
Use leftover chicken to save even more time.
When cubing the chicken, try to make the pieces roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking.
Give the rice a quick rinse under cold water before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
Grate your cheese on a box grater for best results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that can affect the melt and texture.
Adjust the seasonings, especially the salt and pepper, to your personal preference to ensure the flavors are balanced.
The ratio of liquid to rice is crucial. Follow the recipe instructions closely to ensure the rice cooks properly.
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil during baking to keep moisture in and prevent the top from drying out.
If you want a golden, bubbly cheese topping, add the remaining grated cheese and bake for a few more minutes before serving.
Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
Consider adding a touch of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or chives, just before serving to brighten up the dish.
Storage - keep in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 5 days.
There are 7 WW Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.