Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Family Casserole

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through, about 5 minutes.
4. In the prepared casserole dish, evenly spread the uncooked rice. Pour the chicken broth over the rice and gently stir to make sure rice is evenly covered.
5. Scatter the sautéed chicken, onion, and garlic mixture over the rice, then spread fresh broccoli florets on top.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt and milk until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture evenly over the ingredients in the casserole dish.
7. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 8-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the casserole set.

Chef tips

• Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture, but frozen can be substituted if thawed and drained well.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the chicken broth with half-and-half or heavy cream.
• For a milder flavor, swap sharp cheddar for mild cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
• Make sure to cover the casserole tightly to trap steam and cook the rice properly. Foil tenting or a lid works well.