🍽️ Ingredients

For the Casserole Base

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked, **do not rinse**)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning

Broccoli & Cheese

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or 1 ½ cups frozen)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional for extra melt)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup cream cheese for extra creaminess
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• A squeeze of lemon at the end
• A handful of crushed Ritz crackers for topping (broiled)

🔥 Instructions

1. 1. Sauté the Aromatics & Chicken
   • In a large heavy pot or deep pan, melt butter and olive oil on medium heat.
   • Add onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until soft and golden.
   • Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Add the chicken cubes. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
   • Cook until the chicken is no longer pink (about 5–6 minutes). Chicken does not need to be fully cooked — it will finish in the rice.
2. 2. Add Rice & Liquids
   • Add in the uncooked rice and stir to coat it in the butter and spices for 1 minute.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Stir well, scraping the bottom so nothing sticks.
   • Bring mixture to a light boil.
3. 3. Simmer the Casserole
   • Reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and cook for **15 minutes**.
   • Stir halfway through to prevent sticking.
   • After 15 minutes, the rice should be almost cooked and the mixture slightly thick.
4. 4. Add the Broccoli
   • **Fresh broccoli:** Add during the last **8 minutes** of cooking.
   • **Frozen broccoli:** Add during the last **5 minutes**.
   • Stir again and cover.
5. 5. Make it Cheesy & Creamy
   • Turn heat to low.
   • Stir in: Cheddar cheese, Mozzarella (optional), Parmesan, and (optional) Cream cheese.
   • Stir until everything melts into a creamy, thick casserole.
6. 6. Optional Oven Finish (For Browned Top)
   • Sprinkle more cheese or crushed crackers on top.
   • Place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden. Watch carefully — it browns fast!

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• A simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted carrots
• A squeeze of lemon on top to brighten the flavors

❄️ Storage

• **Fridge:** 3–4 days
• **Freezer:** Up to 2 months (add extra broth when reheating)