Healthier Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Healthier Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings together juicy chicken, tender rice, plenty of cheese, and a creamy texture in one pan. It cooks in about 30 minutes and skips the canned soup, making it an easy, comforting dinner when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss.
This is one of those weeknight winners I come back to when the school year gets busy, and we’re running between clubs, sports, and everything else on the calendar. It’s filling, balanced, and healthy enough to feel good about serving, while the cheesy, creamy texture makes it much easier to get the kids excited about dinner—and maybe even eat a few more vegetables.
I love that I can get a satisfying meal on the table fast without spending my whole evening in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more delicious chicken casserole recipes, you need to make my chicken ranch casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this healthier version of chicken broccoli rice casserole because it makes dinner feel a little easier without sacrificing the things that matter.
It’s kid-friendly and budget-friendly, comes together with simple ingredients, and everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is quick, too. Plus, it’s easy to customize with the ingredients you have on hand, which makes it a recipe I can keep coming back to when the week doesn’t go quite as planned.
– Lyuda
Ingredients for the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Chicken breasts: Cut the chicken into even 1-inch cubes so the pieces cook at the same rate. Chicken thighs work well here, too, but they may need a little extra cooking time.
- Rice: Any long-grain rice works well in this recipe. I usually reach for basmati or jasmine rice for their texture and flavor. In this cilantro lime rice, I use fluffy basmati.
- Broccoli: I use fresh broccoli, but frozen broccoli can work if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that frozen broccoli adds a little extra moisture to the casserole.
- Greek yogurt: This turns the healthy chicken broccoli rice casserole into a high-protein meal while adding a creamy texture. If you’re out, sour cream makes an easy substitute.
- Cheese: I use a combination of Parmesan and cheddar for plenty of flavor and creaminess, reserving some of the cheddar to sprinkle over the top. Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, so it’s worth the few extra minutes.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- More veggies: Include ½ cup of another vegetable like frozen peas, green beans, or even carrots for more nutrition.
- Fresh herbs: Adding 1-2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chives, or a little thyme can give the finished casserole a fresher flavor.
- Bacon: Stir in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before serving for a richer version.
How to Make Healthier Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Below are the steps needed to make this chicken broccoli rice casserole with Greek yogurt. Ensure that you cut your chicken, broccoli, and other ingredients so they are ready when you need them.
Step 1: Season the chicken.
Start by heating oil in your skillet over medium heat, and then add the chicken and season it with half the salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken.
Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes to brown it on the outside, but not cook it all the way through.
Step 3: Add the aromatics.
Add the butter, onion, and garlic to the pan with the chicken. Allow them to sauté for about 2-3 minutes or until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the rice.
Add the rice to the skillet of chicken.
Step 5: Add spices.
Sprinkle the remaining salt and pepper, plus the paprika and garlic powder, on top.
Step 6: Cover with broth and cook.
Pour in the broth. Give it all a good stir, increase the heat to bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to simmer covered, for about 8 minutes.
Step 7: Cook the broccoli.
Add the broccoli, replace the cover, and cook for another 8-10 minutes or until the broccoli is tender-crisp and the rice is cooked through.
Step 8: Add the yogurt and cheese. Cook the broccoli.
Reduce the heat to low and then stir in the mustard, most of the shredded cheddar, yogurt, and Parmesan. Once melted and creamy, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, and cover for 2 minutes or until creamy and melty. Serve warm and enjoy every bite. Try this strawberry tiramisu for dessert!
Some more one-pan meals to try for dinner this week are this sausage orzo bake and easy beef stew.
Expert Tips
- Add dairy at the end: Lower the heat before stirring in the Greek yogurt and cheese. Adding them while the skillet is still very hot can cause the yogurt to curdle.
- Avoid Instant or cooked rice: This recipe is written for uncooked long-grain rice. Instant and cooked rice require different amounts of liquid and cooking times, so they won’t work as a direct substitute.
- Leave the lid on: Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks so the steam stays trapped inside. Removing the lid too often lets the steam escape and can keep the rice from cooking evenly.
- Storage directions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is filling enough to serve as a complete weeknight dinner. When I want to round it out, I like adding something fresh and crisp alongside the creamy casserole, such as carrot cucumber salad.
For a Sunday dinner or a more relaxed family meal, serve it with sweet roasted carrots for a little sweetness alongside the creamy casserole, or crispy roasted potatoes when you want a heartier spread.
For leftovers, the casserole also makes an easy lunch the next day—just reheat a portion and add a simple salad or fresh fruit on the side.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthier Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out – a star rating or a note in the comments helps others find the recipe and helps me know what’s working in your kitchen. Tag me @gracefilledkitchen in your photos on social media so I can see your creations.
Healthier Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Method
- Cook the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with ½ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside but not cooked through.
- Sauté the aromatics. Add the butter, diced onion, and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the rice and seasonings. Stir in the uncooked, washed rice, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until everything is well combined.
- Cook the rice. Pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and gently simmer for 8 minutes.
- Add the broccoli. Stir in the broccoli florets, cover, and continue cooking for 8–10 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the liquid has been absorbed, and the broccoli is tender-crisp. If the rice needs a little more time, cover and continue cooking for a few additional minutes.
- Make it creamy. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, Greek yogurt, 1½ cups shredded cheddar, and Parmesan until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Finish with cheese. Sprinkle the additional ⅓ cup cheddar evenly over the top. Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Lower the heat before adding the Greek yogurt and cheese to prevent the yogurt from curdling.
- If the rice is still firm, add a splash of chicken broth, cover, and continue to cook until tender.
- Keep the skillet covered while the rice cooks to trap the steam and help it cook evenly.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!
If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turned out.
Leave a comment and star rating below!