Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese My Familys Favorite

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice, uncooked (such as basmati or jasmine)
• 2 cups (475ml) chicken broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil (optional, for fluffier rice)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth or water (for steaming broccoli)
• 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (475ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 3 cups (300g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (sharp or medium)
• 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons (28g) melted butter