Lighter Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

It’s lighter, but MAN the vibe of this casserole will knock you straight over.

The thing about this version is that there’s no cream of something. You can absolutely add it, if you need that binder. But this is going to yield a much lighter version of the classic, but with it comes a sass that will absolutely surprise you. Because guess what we put in it. Guess!

I’ll tell you, Greek yogurt. Not too much, just enough to add a delightful little tanginess in every bite. Let’s look.

We’ll take some chicken breast, cut it up, add onion and garlic powder, RANCH SEASONING because we love living, a good pinch of salt and the Greek yogurt. The twist we never saw coming.

Something else. Let’s take a head of broccoli and pulse it in a food processor. Not mandatory, but I loooove the texture. Makes it more delicate! (isn’t it . . .isn’t it. . .)

The basmati rice is cooked in chicken stock, so there’s an extra layer of OMG to this entire thing.

Layer layer, nestle nestle.

White cheddar, but use what you have. And add more if you feel it!

Hoooooly faces of everything. The rice is perfectly cooked and flavorful (and a little crispy on the edges!) It’s not gloopy, it’s light. I spritzed lemon over it and boy oh BOY did that wake it all up.

The chicken is tender, the broccoli earthy (and no big chunks!) and the cheese adds such a delicious richness. I’ve made this twice now and heads have turned, bruh.

The kids are into it. Aaron pulls the cheese off and loves the underneath. I obsess over the lightness and flavor of it all. It’s divine! You must try it.

Don’t make me come after you.

Lighter Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups chicken stock
• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Tbs. Onion powder
• 1 Tbs. Garlic powder
• 2 Tbs. Ranch dressing powder
• 3 Tbs. Greek yogurt
• 1 large head of broccoli, pulsed in a food processor until crumbly
• 2-3 cups freshly grated cheddar cheese
• Coarse salt
• Fresh parsley and lemon, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350.
2. Place the rice and chicken stock in a rice cooker; set it and forget it.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces, onion powder, garlic powder, ranch powder, a good pinch of salt and the greek yogurt. Mix well.
4. In an 8x13 casserole dish, add the cooked rice and half the crumbled broccoli. Give it a little stir to start mixing it together. Add the chicken and nestle it into the casserole. Add the rest of the broccoli and stir it in as well. Season with a pinch of salt over the dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top and bake for 45 minutes, until the cheese is browning and bubbly. Keep an eye on it!
5. Garnish with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice and serve immediately!
6. Serves 4-6.

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https://bevcooks.com/2025/04/lighter-chicken-broccoli-and-rice-casserole/

A lighter twist and your new favorite. Promsee.