Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake

Teresa Ambra

Gluten Free Living – 2014

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is fantastic. This casserole contains chicken, broccoli , whole grain brown rice, lots of cheese and a few other veggies. It’s mixed with a scrumptious sauce that makes this entree a terrific main dish meal. It tastes fabulous and has lots of crunch from the broccoli and great texture from the rice, chicken and other veggies.

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The smooth creamy, cheese sauce just seems to melt in your mouth. It’s a great casserole to make for company. You can substitute turkey for the chicken during the holidays making a great holiday casserole as well!

I made Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake gluten free as well. It does have a lot of dairy so those of you with dairy allergies will have to find substitutes for the cheese and milk. But for those of you without food allergies, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is the real deal.

Now that cooler fall evenings have set in, it’s a lot easier to bake in the oven and not be concerned with heating up the whole house. Another great thing about this recipe is it doesn’t use any canned soups, so you’re not filling your family up with preservatives, MSG, high fructose corn syrup, excess sugar, and other ingredients that are harmful to your health. 🙁

My husband loves rice and pasta in recipes. He grew up eating a lot more rice than I did. It’s taken me a long time to learn to enjoy rice. When I made this recipe last month it was gobbled down in a couple of days even though this recipe makes a lot. And, get this, there are only the two of us! It is really a satisfying casserole on cool, fall and winter nights. It’s not necessarily low in calories, but it’s a comfort food dish you’ll savor for sure. 🙂

If want to enjoy a scrumptious chicken entree tonight, then make up a batch of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake. Everyone in your family will take second and third helpings of this delightful dish. So, be warned, you won’t have very many leftovers to enjoy on another day. 🙁

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is comfort food at its best!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Every bite of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is terrific. You’ll be wanting seconds!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

This is a great recipe to use during the holidays with leftover turkey as well.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

If you enjoy chicken and rice dishes, this one is terrific.

Here’s what I did.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

I used these ingredients.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Place chicken in a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes or until cooked through. Cut in chunks and set aside. Meanwhile, cook rice.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

In a skillet melt butter over low to medium heat. Add peppers, onions, garlic and mushrooms.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Mix gluten free flour with some of the evaporated milk. (You can also use cream but regular milk will change the consistency). After veggies are tender whisk in the flour/milk mixture.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Add remaining milk and whisk to incorporate.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Add part of the cheese.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Stir sauce until cheese melts. Remove from heat.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Meanwhile, wash and cut broccoli into florets.  Microwave broccoli until done. Sprinkle lemon juice over top. Set aside. 

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Place cut up chicken in the bottom of a greased 10×15″ glass baking dish. (You can also use a large roaster pan).

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Place broccoli over top.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Add cheese sauce and cooked rice. Stir to combine.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

If mixture seems a little too thick, add a little heavy whipping cream.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Stir to combine and spread into baking dish.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Top with remaining cheese.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Cover and bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until casserole is bubbly.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Serve first, second and third helpings to your family and other satisfied diners.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

This casserole is so cheesy. I made it gluten free, but not dairy free.

Here’s the recipe.

CHEESY CHICKEN BROCCOLI AND RICE BAKE

(Recipe adapted from Neighbor Julia; source: adapted from Salad in a Jar)

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake

Teresa Ambra
Fabulous comfort food that's filled with chicken, broccoli, rice and other veggies in a rich, thick, creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is also great to use up leftover turkey during the holidays. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is gluten free.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Chicken Main Dish/Casserole
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 341 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9x13" glass baking dish
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 10x15" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large sauce pan
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 microwavable steamer
  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 8 oz. can mushrooms drained
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. minced garlic from a jar or 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter one-half stick
  • 2 large crowns broccoli florets about 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2/3 tsp. Kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1/3 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 24 oz. can evaporated milk (two 12-ounce cans)
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose gluten free flour or use regular flour
  • 1 tsp. Salt and pepper as needed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream as needed (see note below)

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken breasts in a 9x13” baking dish.
  • Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  • Bake chicken breasts at 350° for about 40-45 minutes or until done.
  • Cut in bite sized pieces.
  • Place in greased 10x15 baking dish.
  • Meanwhile, cook rice.
  • Add 3 cups of water to rice and heat to boiling.
  • Lower heat and simmer until done—about 25-30 minutes.
  • Add to chicken in baking dish.
  • Steam broccoli about 3 minutes in microwave in microwavable steamer.
  • Drain.
  • Sprinkle lemon juice over top.
  • Add to dish with chicken and rice.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions, celery, mushrooms and garlic and sauté a few minutes until translucent.
  • Stir half of a 12-oz. can of evaporated milk with the gluten free flour.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Add to onion mixture and stir to combine.
  • Add remaining milk and whisk until incorporated.
  • Add salt, pepper and 3 ½ cups cheese.
  • Stir and heat a few minutes until cheese melts.
  • Add cheese mixture to other ingredients in baking dish and stir to combine.
  • Add cream to make of better spreading consistency.
  • Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
  • Cover and bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until casserole is heated through and bubbly.

Notes

NOTE: You can also add the heavy whipping cream to the sauce. I thought the sauce ended up being too thick, so I added the cream.
 
Recipe source: adapted from Salad In A Jar.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 19gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 509mgPotassium: 413mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 843IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 371mgIron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli, casserole, chicken, gluten free, rice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake[/b]
Recipe Type: Chicken Main Dish/Casserole
Cuisine: American
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from [url href=”http://www.neighborjulia.com/2012/08/cheesy-broccoli-chicken-and-rice-bake.html?m=1″ target=”_blank” title=”cheesy broccoli chicken and rice bake”]Neighbor Julia[/url]; source: adapted from [url href=”http://www.salad-in-a-jar.com/family-recipes/broccoli-rice-casserole-no-canned-soup” target=”_blank” title=”broccoli rice casserole – no canned soup”]Salad in a Jar[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 10
Fabulous comfort food that’s filled with chicken, broccoli, rice and other veggies in a rich, thick, creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is also great to use up leftover turkey during the holidays. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is gluten free.
Ingredients
  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 8-oz. can mushrooms, drained
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • ½ tsp. minced garlic from a jar
  • ¼ cup (one-half stick) butter
  • 2 large crowns broccoli florets (about 4 cups broccoli florets)
  • 2/3 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1/3 tsp. pepper
  • 2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 cups sharp shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup all-purpose gluten free flour
  • salt and pepper, as needed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, as needed
Instructions
  1. Place chicken breasts in a 9×13” baking dish.
  2. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake chicken breasts at 350° for about 40-45 minutes or until done.
  4. Cut in bite sized pieces.
  5. Place in greased 10-x15 baking dish.
  6. Meanwhile, cook rice.
  7. Add 3 cups of water to rice and heat to boiling.
  8. Lower heat and simmer until done—about 25-30 minutes.
  9. Add to chicken in baking dish.
  10. Steam broccoli about 3 minutes in microwave in microwavable steamer.
  11. Drain.
  12. Sprinkle lemon juice over top.
  13. Add to dish with chicken and rice.
  14. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  15. Add onions, celery, mushrooms and garlic and sauté a few minutes until translucent.
  16. Stir half a can of evaporated milk with the gluten free flour.
  17. Whisk to combine.
  18. Add to onion mixture and stir to combine.
  19. Add remaining milk and whisk until incorporated.
  20. Add salt, pepper and 3 ½ cups cheese.
  21. Stir and heat a few minutes until cheese melts.
  22. Add cheese mixture to other ingredients in baking dish and stir to combine.
  23. Add cream to make of better spreading consistency.
  24. Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
  25. Cover and bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until casserole is heated through and bubbly.
Notes
You can also add the heavy whipping cream to the sauce.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

If you enjoy cheese, you will LOVE this casserole.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Doesn’t Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake look delicious?

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Every bite of this casserole will have you salivating.

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | a favorite #chicken entree with #broccoli & #rice made up in an outstanding #cheesy sauce. Wonderful for company or family dinners. #casserole #chickencasserole #chickenandrice #glutenfree

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake

Teresa Ambra
Fabulous comfort food that’s filled with chicken, broccoli, rice and other veggies in a rich, thick, creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is also great to use up leftover turkey during the holidays. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Bake is gluten free.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Course Chicken Main Dish/Casserole
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 341 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 9×13" glass baking dish
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables
  • 1 10×15" glass baking dish
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 large sauce pan
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 microwavable steamer
  • 1 large skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 3 cups water
  • 8 oz. can mushrooms drained
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. minced garlic from a jar or 2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter one-half stick
  • 2 large crowns broccoli florets about 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2/3 tsp. Kosher salt or sea salt
  • 1/3 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 24 oz. can evaporated milk (two 12-ounce cans)
  • 3 tbsp. lemon juice
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose gluten free flour or use regular flour
  • 1 tsp. Salt and pepper as needed
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream as needed (see note below)

Instructions
 

  • Place chicken breasts in a 9×13” baking dish.
  • Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.
  • Bake chicken breasts at 350° for about 40-45 minutes or until done.
  • Cut in bite sized pieces.
  • Place in greased 10×15 baking dish.
  • Meanwhile, cook rice.
  • Add 3 cups of water to rice and heat to boiling.
  • Lower heat and simmer until done—about 25-30 minutes.
  • Add to chicken in baking dish.
  • Steam broccoli about 3 minutes in microwave in microwavable steamer.
  • Drain.
  • Sprinkle lemon juice over top.
  • Add to dish with chicken and rice.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add onions, celery, mushrooms and garlic and sauté a few minutes until translucent.
  • Stir half of a 12-oz. can of evaporated milk with the gluten free flour.
  • Whisk to combine.
  • Add to onion mixture and stir to combine.
  • Add remaining milk and whisk until incorporated.
  • Add salt, pepper and 3 ½ cups cheese.
  • Stir and heat a few minutes until cheese melts.
  • Add cheese mixture to other ingredients in baking dish and stir to combine.
  • Add cream to make of better spreading consistency.
  • Top with remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese.
  • Cover and bake at 350° for about 30 minutes or until casserole is heated through and bubbly.

Notes

NOTE: You can also add the heavy whipping cream to the sauce. I thought the sauce ended up being too thick, so I added the cream.
 
Recipe source: adapted from Salad In A Jar.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 341kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 19gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 77mgSodium: 509mgPotassium: 413mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 843IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 371mgIron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli, casserole, chicken, gluten free, rice
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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