Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole

In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming embrace of Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole. Picture this: creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli all wrapped up in fluffy rice, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. savory chicken pot pie hand pies The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a warm hug from an old friend, promising satisfaction with every spoonful. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Sausages with Zucchini recipe.

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a memory-maker. I vividly remember the first time I whipped this up for a family gathering. My sister took one bite, paused dramatically, and exclaimed, “Wow! This is like a warm blanket for my taste buds!” Now that’s a compliment worth savoring. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck party pleaser, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your home.

I still chuckle thinking about how my kids fought over the last spoonful at dinner last week—it’s safe to say this dish is a winner!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your crowd size. crispy chicken nuggets recipe.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Opt for bright green florets for vibrant color and crunch in your casserole.
• Long Grain White Rice: This rice cooks nicely in the Instant Pot while absorbing all those delicious flavors. homemade enchilada sauce for flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for an extra punch of flavor that melts beautifully.
• Chicken Broth: The base of your casserole; go for low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These spices add depth; fresh garlic can be used if you prefer.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance all flavors; don’t skip these!
• Olive Oil or Butter: Just a bit adds richness to the dish—a pat of butter never hurts!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Instant Pot: Start by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function. Add olive oil or butter until melted—this creates an aromatic base that makes everything better.

Sauté Aromatics (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, toss in diced onions or minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. This step isn’t mandatory but makes your kitchen smell divine.

Add Chicken & Seasonings: Place your chicken breasts into the pot and sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. grilled asparagus with lemon zest Sear each side until golden brown—about 3 minutes per side should do!

Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the rice followed by chicken broth and toss in those gorgeous broccoli florets on top without stirring—let them steam beautifully as the casserole cooks.

Seal & Cook: Close the lid tightly and set the valve to sealing mode. Select manual cook on high pressure for 10 minutes; get ready for some magic!

Naturally Release Pressure & Stir In Cheese: After cooking time is complete, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick releasing any remaining pressure. Open the lid carefully; stir in shredded cheese until perfectly melted—your casserole is now ready to impress!

Serve it hot straight from the pot or transfer it to a lovely serving dish; either way, everyone will come running when they catch that cheesy aroma! Enjoy every bite while basking in compliments—it’s only fair after such culinary genius! For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Roll Ups recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by sautéing the chicken in the Instant Pot for a golden sear. Then, add rice and broth to create a flavorful base before mixing in broccoli and cheese at the end for a melty finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli with spinach or kale for added greens. You can also use brown rice instead of white for extra fiber or toss in some diced bell peppers for color and crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave until hot or warm on the stovetop with a splash of broth to revive its creaminess.

Sometimes, I whip this dish up when friends come over unexpectedly. Their delighted reactions as they devour it never fail to bring me joy!

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just add it during the last few minutes of cooking.

What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal; however, you can mix in mozzarella or gouda for variety.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole

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• Author: Gordon Calloway
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole is the quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any mealtime. This creamy dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, all enveloped in fluffy rice, making it a family favorite. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also delivers on taste and satisfaction. With every bite, you’ll experience a delightful balance of flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup long grain white rice
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function; add olive oil or butter until melted.
2. Optional: Sauté diced onions or minced garlic until fragrant.
3. Add chicken breasts; season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Sear each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown.
4. Pour in rice and chicken broth; place broccoli florets on top without stirring.
5. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing mode, and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. After cooking, allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes before quick releasing remaining pressure. Stir in shredded cheese until melted.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg