One-Pot Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Melt the butter and heat the oil in a pot over high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken and cook until it changes from pink to white.

Tip: It is fine if the chicken gets some color, but do not cook it all the way through or let the bottom of the pot get too brown.

Step 2: Turn the heat down to medium. Add the flour and stir for 1 minute.

Step 3: Add half the milk, stirring as you go. Once it is incorporated into the flour, add the rest of the milk and stir.

Step 4: Add the broth, rice, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 5: Stir and bring to a simmer, then cover. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for 12 minutes.

Step 6: Remove the lid; there should still be liquid on the surface. Working quickly, add the broccoli and push it down so it is partly submerged. Cover and cook for a further 3 minutes, until the broccoli is just cooked.

Step 7: Preheat the grill or broiler. Remove the lid and stir through half the cheese. Smooth the surface and top with the remaining cheese. Grill or broil until melted, or cover and let the residual heat melt the cheese with the stove turned off.

Tip: The casserole may look a little saucy after stirring in the cheese; the excess liquid will be absorbed in a few minutes.

Step 8: Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.