Emergency Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Emergency Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, and nutritious broccoli, it’s easy to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs or tenders, cut into 1.5cm (2/3″) pieces
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (granulated bouillon)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) chicken broth or stock, low sodium
• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) milk, any fat percentage
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1/4 cup (35g) flour, plain or all purpose
• 1 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (granulated bouillon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
• 2 large broccoli heads, cut into florets
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese
• 2 green onions, finely sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 180°C (350°F) if using a fan/convection oven.
2. Step 2: Mix the chicken pieces with dried thyme, garlic powder, pepper, stock powder, and olive oil in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat the chicken broth and milk together until hot, either on the stove or in the microwave.
4. Step 4: Spread the uncooked rice evenly in a 23 x 33cm (9 x 13″) ceramic or glass baking dish.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the flour, additional stock powder, and minced garlic over the rice.
6. Step 6: Pour the hot chicken broth over the rice and stir gently until the flour mostly dissolves; small lumps are fine.
7. Step 7: Add the hot milk, and gently swish the rice so it’s evenly spread in the dish.
8. Step 8: Layer the broccoli florets on top of the rice, then add the seasoned chicken pieces, and dot with butter.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered for 40 minutes. It’s normal to see some browned chicken skin on top.
10. Step 10: Check the rice to ensure it’s just cooked through before moving on.
11. Step 11: Stir in half of the shredded cheese thoroughly, making sure to get rice from the edges and corners; the mixture should be creamy and loose.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and return the casserole to the oven for 5 minutes, until the cheese has just melted.
13. Step 13: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor or substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
• Add other vegetables like carrots or peas to boost the nutrition and color.
• For a richer dish, replace some or all of the milk with cream.
• Try different cheeses such as mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend for varied taste and texture.
• Leftovers taste great reheated and can be made ahead for convenience.

Storage

Store the casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently, so it’s best to cook it separately before assembling the casserole or adjust cooking time and liquid accordingly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to step 8, then cover and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding extra time if baking from cold.

Emergency Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Emergency Chicken Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying meal. Featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese, it’s an all-in-one casserole that is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. With a creamy broth base and baked to perfection, this dish is both filling and delicious.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 500g (1 lb) chicken thighs or tenders, cut into 1.5cm (2/3″) pieces
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (granulated bouillon)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Liquid and Base

• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) chicken broth/stock, low sodium
• 2 1/2 cups (625 ml) milk, any fat %
• 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice, uncooked
• 1/4 cup (35g) plain/all purpose flour
• 1 tsp vegetable or chicken stock powder (granulated bouillon)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter

Vegetables and Cheese

• 2 large broccoli heads, cut into florets
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheese
• 2 green onions, finely sliced

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) or 180°C (350°F) for fan/convection ovens to prepare it for baking the casserole.
2. Mix Chicken Ingredients: Combine the chicken pieces with dried thyme, garlic powder, pepper, stock powder, and olive oil to evenly season the meat.
3. Heat Broth and Milk: Warm the chicken broth and milk together until hot using either a saucepan on the stove or a microwave; this helps the rice cook evenly in the casserole.
4. Prepare Rice Base: Spread the uncooked long grain white rice evenly in a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13″) ceramic or glass baking dish to create the foundation of the casserole.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle the flour, stock powder, and minced garlic over the rice to build flavor and aid in thickening the casserole.
6. Add Hot Broth: Pour the hot chicken broth over the rice mixture and stir until the flour is dissolved, allowing some small lumps to remain to maintain texture.
7. Add Milk and Distribute Rice: Pour the warmed milk on top and gently swirl the rice around to ensure it is spread evenly and fully covered by the liquid.
8. Layer Vegetables and Chicken: Evenly spread the broccoli florets over the rice, then layer the seasoned chicken pieces on top. Dot the butter randomly over the casserole for richness.
9. Bake Casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook and the surface to develop slight browning if desired.
10. Check Rice Doneness: After baking, check to ensure the rice is just cooked—tender but with a slight bite; this is crucial for the final creamy texture.
11. Add Cheese and Stir: Mix in half of the shredded cheese thoroughly, making sure to scrape the edges and corners of the dish for an even, creamy consistency.
12. Top with Remaining Cheese and Melt: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly on top and return the casserole to the oven for about 5 minutes until the cheese is just melted and bubbly.
13. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling sliced green onions on top for fresh flavor, then serve the delicious casserole warm.

Notes

• Note 1: Using chicken thighs or tenders keeps the meat tender and juicy during baking.
• Note 2: Granulated stock powder adds concentrated flavor and helps season the dish uniformly.
• Note 3: Long grain white rice is preferred for its texture and ability to absorb the creamy broth.
• Note 4: Large broccoli heads add nutrition and vibrant color but can be substituted with a similar green vegetable if desired.
• Note 5: Heating the liquids before adding to rice prevents uneven cooking and promotes a creamy texture.
• Note 6: Using a ceramic or glass baking dish helps with even heat distribution and prevents sticking.
• Note 7: Checking the rice doneness before adding cheese ensures the final consistency is creamy without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, rice casserole, baked chicken, broccoli casserole, easy dinner, one dish meal, creamy casserole