Cheesy Chicken Broccoli & Rice Casserole



*Ingredients
 
°½ tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
°1 lb chicken breasts (boneless skinless breasts or use boneless skinless chicken thighs - cut into bite-size pieces)
°½ tsp each, salt and pepper (to taste)
°½ tsp onion powder
°¼ teaspoon garlic powder
°1 cup long-grain white rice (+ 1¾ cups water or chicken broth)
°4 cups broccoli florets
°10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken
°10.5 oz condensed cheddar soup
°1 ½ cups milk
°1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
°½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (optional, plain)

*Methods 

Heat a large skillet (which has a fitted lid) with the olive oil over medium-high heat until the oil begins to shimmer. Add the cut pieces of chicken breasts or thighs and season generously. Fry the chicken pieces until no longer pink inside, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.
½ tbsp olive oil, 1 lb chicken breasts, ½ tsp each, salt and pepper, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp garlic powder
Use the same skillet (with the cooking juices from the chicken). Add rice and stir into juices, then stir in water or chicken broth. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
1 cup long grain white rice
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9x13 baking dish or 2.5-quart casserole dish, or coat it with nonstick cooking spray.
Add the broccoli florets, replace the lid and continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes over low heat.
4 cups broccoli florets
While your rice and broccoli cook, combine the condensed cream of chicken and cheddar cheese soups with milk in your prepared baking dish. Incorporate the cooked chicken with the sauce then finally add the cooked rice and the broccoli.
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup, 10.5 oz condensed cheddar cheese soup, 1 ½ cups milk
Top with shredded cheddar cheese and optional panko crumbs, then bake in 350°F (175°C) oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is completely melted and golden.
1 cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving, about 5 minutes.

Enjoy !