Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Description
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli in a creamy cheddar sauce, topped with golden panko and finished in the air fryer. An easy, comforting weeknight dinner ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups chicken broth, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté the onion. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 4–5 minutes.
- Cook the chicken. Add the garlic and seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Simmer the rice. Stir in the uncooked rice, heavy cream, and 1 cup of the chicken broth. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the rice is tender.
- Add broccoli and cheese. Add the remaining 1 cup of broth, the broccoli florets, and the shredded cheddar. Cook for another 10 minutes, until the broccoli is tender.
- Top and air fry. Transfer the mixture to an air-fryer-safe baking pan. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and dot with butter. Air fry at 350°F for 5–10 minutes, until golden brown. Rest a few minutes before serving.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Baking Pan
Notes
- Oven option: Bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Cooked rice: Reduce the broth and cream if using pre-cooked rice.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat.
- Make ahead: Assemble through step 4, then refrigerate or freeze until ready to air fry.
- More casserole ideas: Air Fryer Chicken and Stuffing Casserole and Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Casserole.
- Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with brands and substitutions.
Nutrition
Serving: 1ServingCalories: 444kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 20gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 606mgPotassium: 388mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 881IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 2mg