Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole checks the top requirements for a specific type of comfort food – cheese, carbs, and a casserole dish. Many of these type recipes start with a sodium-filled can of “cream of soup,” but this one is made from scratch. As with many recipes that evolved so-called “shortcuts,” this homemade one isn’t all that more complicated. It also delivers a heaping dose of big flavor and big comfort.
Plus, it’s packed with filling protein, nutritionally dense, and lightened up!
This issue also shares
- The Best Life Living Tip: Giving that Gives Back
- The Self-Care Technique: The Power of Protein
- Ideas and Inspiration: Changing the World from a Church Kitchen
Read on for more — including this great recipe for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole that I know you are going to love!
Best Life Living Tip
I read a story the other day about there are two types of people at the pizza party. The person who thinks there might not be enough pizza for everyone so they take one slice and the other person who thinks there might not be enough pizza so they go ahead and take two slices. Which type of person are you?
I always strive to be the one slice of pizza person.
Research proves sharing makes us feel happier. Studies using brain-scanning technology show increased activation in the reward area of the brain!
CNBC says, We are wired to be generous and feel each other’s pain. This is one reason why I actively support AFCB and the great work they do.
Double Your Money!
September is Hunger Action Month – the Feeding America Network’s annual campaign to raise awareness of hunger in the United States and to take action to combat poverty, inequity, and injustice so we can end hunger for good.
Every 1$ donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank translates to 3 meals! The ACFB has distributed 113 million meals this year, up 42% from last year. This month your donations are doubled to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. As a long time member of the ACFB Advisory Board I am working to raise money for our neighbors with food insecurity.
Here’s my Chef Virginia Willis dedicated link https://bit.ly/fighthungerwithvirginia .
You can also scan this QR code or hold your finger on the image above to open the link.
Please consider any donation and know that this month, your 1$ can provide up to SIX MEALS!
Self-Care Technique
Protein is considered the most filling macronutrient because it can help you feel full for longer and eat less. High-protein food can help you squash hunger and eat a healthy diet.
Harvard Health says, “Protein is a critical part of our diet. We need it to build and repair cells, and make healthy muscles, organs, glands, and skin. Everyone needs a minimum amount each day.”
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a great example of a nutrient-dense meal packed with protein.
Check out this link for tips on how to add protein to your diet.
Ideas and Inspiration
What is Food Insecurity? Food insecurity refers to USDA’s measure of lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life for all household members and limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate foods.
In 1979 Bill Bolling, the Director of the Community Kitchen at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Atlanta saw the need to move beyond what one church and program could provide. He promised to secure enough food if other organizations would join him in the work, and the Atlanta Community Food Bank was born.
In its first year, the Food Bank distributed 15,279 pounds of food.
- Atlanta Community Food Bank distributed 113 million meals in 2024.
- One in six children in our service area will go to bed hungry tonight.
- One in 9 people in the ACFB 29-county coverage area are food insecure.
More stats are here on the ACFB website. Sign up for their newsletter and follow them on Instagram @ACFB.
I recently recorded a Pantry to Plate cooking video with Kristin Elliot, the Head Dietician for ACFB making Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole using foods they might find in their box. You can check out the full video on their YouTube Channel.
Point it Out
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole comes in a hearty 486 calories per serving and is packed with filling foods to keep you going! Thanks so much for reading and please consider making a double-your-money donation if you can!
Bon Appétit Y’all!
Virginia Willis
Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar cheese grated (about 8 ounces)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups 2-percent milk
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 stalk celery diced
- Coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 3/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ pounds raw chicken cubed (3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, halved, or 6 boneless skinless thighs)
- 1 pound frozen broccoli florets
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F. Combine the breadcrumbs and half of the cheese. Set aside.
- Heat the stock and milk in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming. Keep warm while you prepare the vegetables.
- Heat the butter in a large ovenproof casserole or skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, 45 to 60 seconds. Add the flour and stir to combine. (The mixture will be dry.)
- Whisk the stock into the flour and vegetables. Add the remaining cup of cheese and stir until smooth. Add the rice and stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Add the yogurt; stir until smooth. Add the chicken and cover with a tight-fitting lid and transfer to the oven.
- Bake until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, about 40 minutes.
- Once the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, remove the casserole from the oven and stir in the broccoli.
- Smooth the top and sprinkle with the reserved breadcrumb-cheese mixture. Return to the oven and bake until the topping is golden brown, about 15 minutes longer. Place the casserole on a rack to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
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