Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals. See more posts by Holly
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is a comfort food classic.
Chicken and broccoli are baked in a creamy, three-cheese sauce with rice under a crispy breadcrumb topping.
Quick & easy, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a one-pot meal that saves you time in the kitchen.
It’s a quick stovetop casserole with a homemade sauce.
Enjoy it for meals or lunches all week long.
What You’ll Need for this Casserole
Chicken: This recipe starts with cooked chicken; use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken or turkey. You can also poach chicken breasts and shred them.
Broccoli: I prefer the texture of fresh broccoli florets, but frozen broccoli will also work. You can replace it with other vegetables like cauliflower, sliced carrots or mushrooms.
Rice: Instant rice (such as Minute Rice) is a timesaver and makes this recipe quick to prepare. If you’d like, precook white or brown rice most of the way and then use it in place.
Cheese Sauce: The sauce for this recipe is simple. Feel free to change the cheese based on what you have on hand but ensure you’re using at least one cheese with a bold flavor.
Variations
Instead of breadcrumbs, try some homemade crispy fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers as a crispy topping.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cook onion and garlic in butter in an oven-safe pot. Stir in cream cheese, herbs, broth, rice, and broccoli.
Once the rice is tender, add bite-size pieces of chicken, sour cream, and both kinds of cheese.
Top with cheddar and breadcrumbs and bake (recipe below).
Leftovers?
Keep leftover chicken broccoli casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat portions in the microwave.
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
You can freeze a fully baked and cooled casserole by lining the casserole dish with foil and gently lifting it out once frozen. Wrap in foil and plastic wrap and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw and reheat as detailed above.
Cozy Casseroles
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Try this cheesy one-pot chicken broccoli rice casserole for a tasty all-in-one meal!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 35 minutesminutes
Total Time 55 minutesminutes
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a Dutch oven or large oven-safe pot, cook onion in butter over medium heat until tender, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Stir in cream cheese, oregano, and basil. Cook until creamy. Add chicken broth, rice, and broccoli.
Bring to a boil, turn off heat, and cover. Let sit undisturbed for 5 minutes.
Once the rice has rested and is tender, stir in chicken, sour cream, and cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Top casserole with cheddar and breadcrumbs (if using).
Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until heated through and cheese is lightly browned.
If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use about 1 lb of fresh chicken breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt & pepper and pan-fry the chicken pieces in 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. If you do not have a dutch oven or oven safe pan, make it in in a pot on the stovetop, then transfer to a 3qt or 9×13 pan. Bake as directed.
Bright and bold chimichurri sauce adds dramatic deliciousness to so many dishes!
This one-and-done tangy sauce is made with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, and vinegar, and will be a hit on any table!
What is Chimichurri Sauce?
Chimichurri sauce is a sauce from Argentina dating back to the 19th century. The combination of fresh herbs, oil, and vinegar tenderized and seasoned any variety of meats while the gauchos (AKA cowboys) were on the range for days at a time.
Today, it’s a popular condiment as its bright and tangy flavor complements salads, vegetables, pork, beef, poultry, fish, and seafood.
It uses fresh herbs like parsley and oregano for a bright, bold flavor, giving a fresher flavor profile.
It’s quick and easy, with just 15 minutes of prep using simple ingredients you probably have. Use a food processor to grate and mince the onion and garlic to save even more time!
You can store the sauce in a cruet or jar to keep it fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for meal prep and saving time throughout the week.
Ingredients In Chimichurri
Herbs and Spices: For the best flavor, choose fresh flat-leaf parsley or cilantro (or half and half) and fresh oregano leaves. Use as much red pepper as you wish, or omit it altogether. A pinch of cayenne pepper can provide a milder heat.
Oil and Vinegar: Olive oil and red wine vinegar help bring the sauce together and add flavor to this chimichurri sauce. Other neutral oils, such as avocado or sunflower, can be substituted. Lemon juice is a good substitute for red wine vinegar.
Variations: Substitute the finely chopped onion for red onion or shallot for extra sweetness or some mint for an even brighter, more fragrant sauce. For a longer-lasting sauce, switch the fresh garlic cloves to garlic powder.
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce
Pulse all ingredients except red pepper flakes (recipe below) in a food processor until slightly chopped.
Stir in red pepper flakes and chill before serving.
To preserve a more rustic texture, pulse until just blended.
It’s important to let the mixture chill for an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
Ways to Use Chimichurri Sauce
You’ll rarely find a sauce recipe that has so many applications!
Storing Chimichurri Sauce
Keep leftover chimichurri sauce in a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake before using as it will separate.
Freeze chimichurri in zippered bags or ice cube trays to pop out and add to sautéed veggies, brush over grilled chicken, or add new flavor to sour cream dip served with fresh veggies.
More Robust Sauces & Dressings
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Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce made with fresh herbs is a zesty marinade or condiment for steaks, chicken, salads, and more.
Prep Time 15 minutesminutes
Chill time 1 hourhour
Total Time 1 hourhour15 minutesminutes
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Place all ingredients except red pepper flakes in a food processor and pulse 2-3 times or just until slightly chopped.
Stir in red pepper flakes.
Chill at least 1 hour before serving. Serve over grilled meats
Chimichurri sauce is best stored in a glass bottle, cruet, or mason jar in the refrigerator.
Be sure to allow it to chill for an hour before serving, to allow flavors to develop.
The oil will naturally separate, this is expected. Shake before using.
This sauce will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is a one-pot wonder that is truly worthy of a marriage proposal!
Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with Italian seasonings and parmesan cheese.
The sundried tomato sauce is so freaking delicious!
This easy recipe is cooked on just one pan – less mess, less cleanup.
It’s a fast weeknight meal that seems fancy enough for guests.
It can be served over pasta or rice, or next to roasted potatoes.
Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken
Chicken:I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or cutlets in this recipe. You can also use boneless chicken thighs
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – they add a deliciously tangy flavor to this dish. You can purchase them online here or find them near the pesto in the grocery store.
Sauce: Heavy cream is the base of this sauce because it’s rich and thick, while chicken broth or chicken stock adds flavor. This sauce is thickened with a little bit of flour.
Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese if possible.
Seasonings: The sauce is seasoned with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes or you can use Italian herb mix in place.
Variations
Chopped spinach can be added during the last few minutes of cooking.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken
Rich and creamy, this Marry Me Chicken recipe is a keeper!
Brown Chicken: Brown the chicken breasts in a large skillet (recipe below) and set aside.
Simmer Sauce: Cook garlic and herbs until fragrant. Add sauce ingredients and simmer.
Thicken Sauce: Return chicken to the pan and add sundried tomatoes, simmer until thickened.
Stir in parmesan cheese, garnish with basil, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Round the meal out with a side salad and some crusty bread.
Got Leftovers?
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding milk if needed.
Freeze leftovers in a freezer bag for up to 4 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on low heat in a saucepan, adding milk if needed.
Easy Chicken Skillet Dinners
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Marry Me Chicken
Marry Me Chicken is a flavorful one-pot dish with chicken breasts simmered in a rich creamy sundried tomato and Parmesan cheese sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 20 minutesminutes
Total Time 40 minutesminutes
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If using chicken breasts, cut the chicken in half horizontally to form thinner cutlets and season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Dredge the chicken lightly in the flour.
In a large 12-inch skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 4 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate to keep warm.
Reduce the temperature to medium and add the remaining oil. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, and remaining ¼ teaspoon salt and bring to a simmer. Let simmer uncovered until slightly thickened, about 5 to 8 minutes. Add the chicken to the pan along with any juices and sundried tomatoes. Simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through.
Remove from the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh basil.
For an extra boost of flavor, use the oil from the sundried tomatoes in place of olive oil. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a covered container for up to 4 days.
This easy one-pot Minestrone Soup delivers healthy, wholesome comfort in every bowl!
Beans, fresh veggies, and pasta are simmered in a savory broth and topped with parmesan cheese.
It’s the ultimate homemade soup, perfect to warm you up on a chilly day!
What is Minestrone Soup?
This Italian classic soup is chock full of veggies, beans, and pasta or rice, slow-cooked in a tomato-based broth. It’s a simple slow cooker meal that never fails to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites!
We like Olive Garden minestrone soup, but we love the flavor of this homemade version.
Budget-friendly minestrone soup is perfect for large families and gatherings.
Follow the recipe below or use this recipe to enjoy leftover beans, veggies, or pasta.
Batch cooking fave! This recipe is perfect for doubling up to enjoy all week or to freeze for future meals!
Ingredients in Minestrone Soup
Vegetables – Homemade Minestrone is all about the veggies! I use onions, carrots, celery, tomatoes, and spinach. You can add in green beans, zucchini, or kale. If time is short, simply toss in a bag of frozen mixed vegetables!
Beans – Fiber-filled beans like red kidneys, garbanzo beans, cannellini beans, or any combination can be used. This recipe uses canned beans, be sure to drain and rinse them before using.
Broth – For a purely vegetarian soup, switch out the chicken broth for vegetable broth. Rotel tomatoes (tomatoes with green chiles and seasonings) can be used instead of canned tomatoes for a little spicy kick.
Pasta – Smaller pasta shapes fit perfectly with the beans and veggies. Try ditalini, shells, small elbow macaroni, or orzo.
Variations – Make it meaty and add cooked chicken, ground turkey, Italian sausage, or meatballs. For a thicker soup, blend one cup of the soup in Step 3 and return it to the pot.
soften veggies & add seasoningssimmer tomatoes, beans, & brothadd pastastir in spinach before serving
How to Make Minestrone Soup
Cook carrots, celery, and onion in oil until softened. Add garlic and seasonings.
Add remaining ingredients (except pasta and parmesan) and cook until carrots are tender. Stir in pasta and cook until pasta is done. Stir in spinach.
Serve garnished with parmesan cheese.
Tips for Storing
Keep leftover Minestrone in a covered container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove.
Freeze portions in zippered bags for up to 8 weeks. Thaw in a pot on low heat until ready to serve. Add fresh pasta, if desired.
If you’re planning for leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl individually. This ensures the pasta stays firm!
If cooking the pasta separately, be sure to salt the pasta water or cook it in broth for the best flavor.
Savory and Satisfying Soups
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Minestrone Soup
This Minestrone Soup recipe is an easy one-pot meal that’s full of vegetables, pasta, and an incredible tomato base. It’s the perfect hearty dinner for a cool day!
Prep Time 20 minutesminutes
Cook Time 30 minutesminutes
Total Time 50 minutesminutes
In a large Dutch oven, cook and stir the oil, carrots, celery, and onion over medium-high heat until the onion has softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute.
Add the tomatoes, broth, and beans. Cover, bring to a boil and simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes or until carrots are tender.
Add the pasta, stir, and cover. Let the soup simmer covered for 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. Stir in spinach and let sit for 2 minutes.
Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Parmesan cheese for serving.
Planned Leftovers: If you’re planning for leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl individually. If pasta is stored in the soup, it will absorb the broth and get mushy.
You can mix and match your veggies as you wish. Keep it meatless or add in your own favorite protein like cooked Italian sausage.
This is a good soup for using up leftover veggies or, if time is short, use mixed frozen vegetables.
Rinse canned beans in cold water to rinse off any preservatives and extra sodium.
Air Fryer chicken breasts are a light and delicious dinner that’s ready in 20 minutes.
Cooking chicken breasts in the air fryer makes is so easy and they come out tender and juicy every time.
Ready in Less Than 20 Minutes
This air fryer chicken breast recipe needs just a couple of minutes of prep.
It uses only a handful of ingredients.
Use the seasonings below, your favorite chicken seasoning, or any seasoning mix you have on hand.
The results are incredibly juicy every single time. Hands down, one of our favorite 20-minute meals!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Chicken Breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. This recipe is for boneless skinless chicken breasts sized 6-7oz. Four 6oz chicken breasts will weigh about 1 1/2 lbs.
Seasonings are simple. Olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and pepper are all that’s needed.
Seasoning Variations
Add other seasonings to the blend in the recipe, or swap the seasonings and your favorite spice mixture. Try taco seasoning, lemon pepper, or Greek seasoning for something new. A few swipes of BBQ sauce will add a great flavor and sticky exterior.
How to Air Fry Chicken Breasts
NOTE: this is for 6-7 oz chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz. Adjust cook time as needed.
Rub chicken breasts with a little olive oil and seasoning (per the recipe below).
Place in the air fryer basket, allowing space around each chicken breast.
Cook for 16-19 minutes, flipping after 10 minutes.
Serve air fryer chicken breasts on their own or slice them for salads, pasta, or meal prep.
NOTE: Appliances can vary – be sure to check the chicken a few minutes early to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Tips for Juicy Chicken
Check for doneness a few minutes before cooking should be done by inserting a meat thermometer in the thickest part.
Chicken should reach 165°F but will continue to cook once removed from the air fryer to remove it from the air fryer when it reaches 162°F.
Let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes before serving.
More Chicken Breast Favorites
There are so many great ways to cook chicken breast – it’s perfect for almost any meal! Here are some of our favorite each chicken recipes.
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Air Fryer Chicken Breasts
Air Fryer Chicken Breasts are perfectly seasoned, tender & juicy!
Prep Time 4 minutesminutes
Cook Time 16 minutesminutes
Total Time 20 minutesminutes
Seasoning Mix (or use your favorite seasoning blend)
Preheat the air fryer to 370°F.
In a small bowl, combine the seasoning mix.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and then rub it with olive oil. Season with the seasoning mix or your own preferred blend.
Place the chicken breasts in the air fryer, ensuring that they don’t overlap.
Cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional 6-9 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Be sure not to overcook.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. For juicy chicken breast, do not overcook. Cook time can vary slightly based on the size/shape of chicken, the cooking times are for 6-7 oz chicken breasts. Chicken breasts can range in size from 5oz to 10oz and appliances can vary. Adjust cook time as needed. Other seasoning options include garlic powder, onion powder, and/or Italian seasoning, Greek seasoning blend, cajun seasoning, or lemon pepper. If your chicken breasts fit in your basket without overlapping, you can use 4 chicken breasts. If they’re extra large, cook them in batches or just use 3 chicken breasts (seasoning will remain the same). Larger chicken breasts will need an extra minute or two of cooking time.
This Italian Seasoning is a mixture of herbs and spices that will add delicious, savory flavor to your meals.
Use it in pasta sauce, marinades, or roasted veggies!
Ingredients in Italian Seasoning
Herbs: Basil and oregano are the base of this seasoning and provide great flavor, perfect for a wide range of dishes.
Aromatic: Garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme add a fragrant depth, enhancing the overall flavor of this DIY Italian seasoning blend.
Spice: Red pepper flakes add a very subtle bit of spice, add extra or skip it according to your tastes.
Optional additions: If you have them on hand, you can add one teaspoon marjoram, ½ teaspoon Onion powder, or ¼ teaspoon ground sage.
How to Make Italian Seasoning
Making your own Italian Seasoning is easy and allows you to adjust the flavors to your tastes. Many store-bought seasonings can be high in salt – this homemade version is salt-free and gluten-free (just double-check your dried herbs!). Additionally, making spice blends at home is often more cost-effective than purchasing pre-made versions.
Simply mix the spices in the recipe below and store it in a jar or an airtight container for up to 6 months. You can keep it longer since the spices are dried, but it will begin to lose flavor.
How to Use Italian Seasoning
This Italian seasoning recipe is so versatile, sprinkle it into spaghetti sauce or pizza sauce, use it to make Italian salad dressing or place it in spice grinder and garnish your favorite pastqa dishes!
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Italian Seasoning
This is the perfect blend of spices to add to soups, stews, and marinades.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 5 minutesminutes
This recipe can be made in larger batches, to adjust the recipe, adjust the servings on the “print” page.
I love homemade seasoning mixes so I can adjust the salt and spice levels.
This easy Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
I keep a large batch of this taco seasoning at all times to quickly cook up tasty tacos.
For More Than Just Tacos
Store-bought seasoning is convenient but contains additives and lots of salt. Making your own taco seasoning at home means you can reduce the salt or add extra heat if you’d like.
It’s quick to make and can be doubled or tripled and stored in the pantry.
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to season meat for tacos and beyond.
Chili Powder: It’s not just for chili, it adds depth, warmth, and heat. You can use mild or hot chili powder.
Ground Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty warm flavor
Garlic Powder: Adds color, sweetness, and classic taco flavor.
Onion Powder and Dried Oregano: Adds savory depth of flavor.
Seasoning: Salt & pepper can be adjusted to taste.
Options: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes add heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
Variations
To make a low sodium verison, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
To make mild taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to your liking.
Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten-free, double check that your chili powder and other spices are gluten-free.
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Once you try it homemade, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought packets of taco seasoning.
To replace a store-bought packet, use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.
Other Way to Use Taco Seasoning Mix
Of course, it’s great for ground beef tacos, but this DIY taco seasoning recipe can also be used for other types of tacos or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.
1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
Store this taco seasoning recipe in a spice jar in a cool dry place. It will last at least 6 months. I usually prepare a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!
Ways to Use Taco Seasoning
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
This Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make and it’s just for tacos! Use it as a seasoning for meats and veggies or to add a little zip to soups and casseroles.
Prep Time 5 minutesminutes
Total Time 5 minutesminutes
In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.
To Use:
To prepare ground beef tacos, add 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet.
Add ½ cup water, mix, and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packed of store-bought seasoning.
Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.
Tuck the taco meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.