{"id":"8fcde129-303e-499e-9bb7-e974d940e403","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/8fcde129-303e-499e-9bb7-e974d940e403","source_url":"https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/broccoli-cheddar-chicken-and-rice-casserole/","title":"Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole.","description":"Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole, kind of like broccoli cheddar soup meets cozy weeknight casserole...made in one pot in under an hour...healthy-ish, easy and delicious!","servings":6,"servings_text":"6","prep_time":"PT15M","cook_time":"PT40M","total_time":"PT55M","image_url":"https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Broccoli-Cheddar-Chicken-and-Rice-Casserole-1.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil","item":"extra virgin olive oil","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"kosher salt and black pepper","item":"kosher salt and black pepper"},{"text":"1 yellow onion, chopped","item":"yellow onion","quantity":1,"preparation":"chopped"},{"text":"3 carrots, chopped","item":"carrots","quantity":3,"preparation":"chopped"},{"text":"1 pound boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes","item":"boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes","quantity":1,"unit":"lb"},{"text":"2 tablespoons salted butter","item":"salted butter","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 1/2 cups basmati or jasmine rice","item":"basmati or jasmine rice","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1/2 cup dry orzo pasta ((use gluten free, if needed))","item":"dry orzo pasta ((use gluten free, if needed))","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for topping","item":"fresh thyme leaves","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp","preparation":"plus more for topping"},{"text":"3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth","item":"low sodium chicken broth","quantity":3.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped","item":"broccoli florets","quantity":3,"unit":"cup","preparation":"roughly chopped"},{"text":"2 bay leaves","item":"bay leaves","quantity":2},{"text":"1/2 teaspoon garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste","item":"cayenne pepper, more or less to taste","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"zest of 1/2 a lemon","item":"zest of 1/2 a lemon"},{"text":"1/2 cup whole milk or canned coconut milk","item":"whole milk or canned coconut milk","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese","item":"shredded sharp cheddar cheese","quantity":1.5,"unit":"cup"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F"},{"number":2,"text":"Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and carrot and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is seared, 2-3 minutes. Add the butter, rice, orzo, and thyme, and cook until golden and toasted, 2-3 minutes. Add the broth and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli, bay leaves, garlic powder, cayenne, and a large pinch each of salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Cook, covered for 20-25 minutes, until the rice is mostly cooked"},{"number":3,"text":"Once the rice is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, milk, and 1/2 cup of cheese. If needed, transfer the rice to an oven-safe casserole dish. Scatter the remaining cheese over top the casserole"},{"number":4,"text":"Transfer to the oven and bake 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown. Serve warm with additional thyme and fresh basil"}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T00:09:53.123096+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T00:09:53.123096+00:00"}