Description
This healthy chicken and rice casserole is a cozy, wholesome easy dinner packed with tender chicken, brown rice, broccoli, and a creamy lighter sauce. It is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, family dinner ideas, and anyone looking for a comforting easy recipe with balanced ingredients, healthy dinner ideas, and satisfying food ideas in one baking dish.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
3 cups cooked brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
1 cup carrots, diced
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the onion, carrots, and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, diced chicken, broccoli, cooked vegetables, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined and creamy.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and the casserole is hot throughout.
9. Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Notes
Slightly undercooked rice works well because it finishes absorbing flavor in the oven without turning mushy.
Chop the broccoli into small florets so it becomes tender by the time the casserole is done.
Let the casserole rest before serving so it sets up and scoops neatly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 68mg