Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole
There is nothing quite so classic and nostalgic to me than a cheesy, chicken and broccoli casserole! And as a busy mom of 3, I can appreciate any dish that comes together in one pan, that doesn’t involve any chopping and that my whole family will enjoy. Enter my Dump and Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole. Who doesn’t appreciate a satisfying dish that is satisfying and healthy with only minimal clean up?!
I actually get risotto vibes from this dish, without having to stand over the stove all evening. I love how it’s absolutely stocked with broccoli and so full of flavour from that cheesy, garlic-y sauce.
This weeknight dish is the perfect Dump & Bake weeknight option that takes minimal prep and brings maximum satisfaction.
Tips
If the rice isn’t cooked after 40 minutes, cover the baking dish with foil and put it back in the oven for another 10 mins. If needed, you can add in another 1/2 cup of boiling water from the kettle and bake covered.
Allow the casserole to rest for 2-5 minutes before digging in. This allows the residual liquid and the steam to absorb into the rice.
Not a fan of broccoli?
No problem! Try a red pepper, sliced into spears, chopped zucchini and shredded kale would be nice too.
Dump & Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups long grain rice
1/4 cup flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 1/2 cups chicken broth or better than bouillon dissolved into 2 1/2 cups hot water
2 1/2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
1 1/2 - 2 lbs chicken thighs, cut into 2” cubes
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground pepper
3 cups broccoli florets, try and make them similar sizes
2 cups grated cheese (divided)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish, optional)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350F.
In a 9 x 13” baking dish, add the rice. Sprinkle with the flour and minced garlic.
Warm the chicken stock and the milk and then pour over the rice. Stir to combine and break up any pockets of flour.
Add the chicken to the baking dish on top of the rice. Season the chicken with garlic powder, thyme, salt & pepper.
Add in the broccoli florets, dot with butter and then bake uncovered for 40 minutes.
Remove from the heat, add half the cheese and give it a good stir. Then sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top.
Place the casserole back into the oven for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
This Dump and Bake Chicken and Rice Casserole is such an easy, weeknight dinner that is a crowd pleaser! All made in one casserole dish, with savoury chicken and fresh broccoli, this is a comforting meal the whole family will love!
PS: Want to make this dish even easier to make? You’ve got to grab my FREE Kitchen Staples Checklist that you can download. I promise that if you have these staples on hand, simple, quick and delicious meals will practically make themselves! Ummm….sign me up for that!
Do you know what I love even more than making easy, dump and bake recipes? Have my readers tell me what they thought of the recipe! If you made this one, please tell me all about it! And don’t forget to tag me @christies.lovestory over on Instagram!. I love seeing your kitchen creations!