Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
## Embrace Comfort with Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish, you’ve stumbled upon a wonderful classic: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. This heartwarming recipe brings together tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and melty cheese, all nestled in a comforting rice base. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this casserole is the perfect solution when you need to satisfy hungry bellies without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s a dish that finds its way to your table again and again!
## What Makes This Recipe So Great
### Why you’ll love this dish
This casserole isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile and straightforward, making it a go-to recipe for many home cooks. One of the standout features is its balance of flavors and textures—a creamy filling complemented by the crispness of broccoli and the irresistible gooeyness of cheddar cheese. Plus, it falls into the category of “one-dish wonders,” meaning minimal cleanup after you’ve devoured your meal!
Imagine serving this dish on a chilly evening when you need something warm and filling, or even as a potluck dish that is sure to garner compliments.
> “I served this casserole during a family gathering, and it was gone within minutes! The kids loved it, and I appreciated how easy it was to prepare.” – Emily R.
## The Cooking Process Explained
Preparing Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole can be broken down into simple, manageable steps. It’s all about combining your main ingredients, mixing together a creamy sauce, and letting the oven do the hard work. Here’s an overview of how to create this delicious meal:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine the cooked rice, chicken, and steamed broccoli in a bowl.
3. Mix up a creamy sauce in another bowl.
4. Combine the two and transfer everything to a casserole dish.
5. Top with cheese (and optional breadcrumbs for crunch) before baking until bubbly!
## Gather These Items
To whip up Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups cooked and chopped chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Feel free to substitute brown rice for a healthier option or use leftover chicken to save time.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the directions for making this creamy casserole:
1. **Preheat your oven** to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
2. **In a large bowl**, combine the cooked rice, chopped chicken, and tender broccoli. Mix them together until evenly distributed.
3. **In a separate bowl**, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. **Pour the soup mixture** over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, stirring to ensure everything is well-coated.
5. **Transfer the mixture** into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6. **Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese** generously over the top for that melty goodness.
7. If you like some crunch, **combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese** in a small bowl, then sprinkle that mix over the casserole.
8. **Bake** the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
9. **Let it rest** for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
## Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. You might want to serve it with roasted vegetables or a light soup as a starter. For a more sophisticated touch, a drizzle of balsamic reduction or fresh herbs can elevate your presentation.
## Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your casserole fresh and tasty:
- **Store leftovers** in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to **freeze** the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
## Helpful Cooking Tips
- For added flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken breast—this shortcut saves time while enhancing the dish's taste.
- If you want an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to the soup mixture.
- Experiment by adding cooked mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and flavor.
## Creative Twists
If you're in the mood to switch things up, here are some variations to try:
- **Different Cheeses**: Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a bit of heat.
- **Vegan Adaptation**: Use plant-based chicken alternatives and dairy-free cheese, along with cream of mushroom soup.
- **Herb Infusion**: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
## Common Questions
### How can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just bake it right before you’re ready to serve.
### What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soups, a homemade version of cream of chicken soup can easily replace it. Simply blend cooked chicken, chicken broth, and some cream or a roux.
### Is it freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Just ensure it’s tightly wrapped and labeled for future meals.
With this easy and delicious recipe, your dinner woes are a thing of the past. Enjoy the comforting goodness of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole!
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
A cozy, crowd-pleasing dish with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and melty cheese, all nestled in a comforting rice base.
Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped chicken, and tender broccoli. Mix them together until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, stirring to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top for that melty goodness.
- If you like some crunch, combine the breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese in a small bowl, then sprinkle that mix over the casserole.
Baking
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until it’s heated through and the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze tightly covered for up to 3 months. For extra creaminess, consider adding cream cheese to the soup mixture.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
