![- 2 cups cooked brown rice - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 2 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) To make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake, you need some key ingredients. First, use cooked brown rice as your base. It adds great texture and is healthy. Next, add diced chicken breasts. They are the star of the dish. You want them tender and juicy. Now, let’s talk about the broccoli. Fresh florets add color and crunch. They also boost the nutrition of this dish. For the creamy part, you will need cheddar and cream cheese. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully, while the cream cheese makes it rich and smooth. Don’t forget the chicken broth and milk. They help blend all the flavors. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika give the dish great taste. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Finally, if you want a crunchy topping, breadcrumbs are a nice option. They add a lovely texture contrast. All these ingredients create a warm and cozy dish. Make sure to check the Full Recipe for detailed steps! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound of diced, boneless, skinless chicken breasts until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Season it with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked brown rice, the cooked chicken, 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of milk. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - Once mixed, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and adjust the seasoning if needed. You want it to taste just right. - Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. - Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If you like a crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top. - Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble. The top should turn golden brown. - To check for doneness, look for a bubbly surface and a golden color. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. To keep your chicken moist, cook it just until golden. Overcooking makes it dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C). This will help you serve juicy chicken every time. For perfect broccoli, steam it for just a few minutes. You want it bright green and tender-crisp. If you cook it too long, it gets mushy. You can also sauté broccoli in a pan with a bit of oil. This adds extra flavor. For a rich and creamy bake, I love using cheddar cheese. It melts well and provides a great flavor. You can also mix in mozzarella for extra stretchiness. If you want a sharp taste, try a bit of Gruyère. When melting cheese, add it near the end of cooking. This keeps it from clumping. Stir gently as it melts to create a smooth texture. You can also mix in a little milk for a creamier result. Pair your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works well. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting meal. For garnishing, add fresh parsley on top right before serving. It adds color and freshness. You can also sprinkle more cheese on top once it comes out of the oven for that extra cheesy touch. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey gives a leaner taste, while tofu suits plant lovers. Cooked sausage or ham also adds great flavor. Simply mix them in with the rice and broccoli. Feel free to add other vegetables. Carrots, peas, or bell peppers work well. Fresh veggies are tasty, but frozen ones save time and still taste good. Just toss them in without thawing. For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice. It’s light and still filling. If you need a gluten-free choice, skip the breadcrumbs or find gluten-free ones. Enjoy the same cheesy goodness without worry. To keep your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent drying out. I recommend glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. These containers can help keep flavors intact and avoid spills. If you want to save some for later, freezing is easy. First, let the bake cool completely. Then, transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date. When you want to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot. You can also use the microwave, but the oven keeps it crispy. In the fridge, your bake will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. However, for best taste, try to eat it sooner. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. It takes about 15 minutes to prep. Baking takes 25-30 minutes. So, you can enjoy this dish in about 45 minutes. Yes, you can prep everything a day ahead. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge. This way, you save time on busy days. You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Sour cream works too, adding creaminess. Both will give a nice texture without changing the taste much. Absolutely! Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for a heartier meal. Yes, you can reheat leftovers easily. Use the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the dish moist. Microwaving works too, but it may dry out the rice. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake! For the Full Recipe, check out the earlier sections. This blog post covered a delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake. We explored ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned about optional toppings and variations for different diets. We also discussed storage and reheating methods to keep your meals tasty. In summary, this dish is simple, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. Ready to make your own? Enjoy cooking!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0a4a7735-bbf7-4abe-85ca-1852d7fe80ba-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake
Satisfy your cravings with this delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheeses for a comforting meal ready in just 45 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this dish will delight your family with every bite.