Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Why Make This Recipe
Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in one delicious bake. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. This recipe is easy to make and provides a hearty meal that everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this tasty casserole without any hassle.
How to Make Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole is perfect as a main dish. Serve it warm, straight from the oven. You can pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. It can also be a standalone dish since it has protein, veggies, and carbs all in one.
How to Store Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until hot.
Tips to Make Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning or diced onions to the mixture.
- You can also use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- If you prefer a healthier version, use brown rice and low-fat cream of chicken soup.
Variation
You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the casserole for variety. If you’re looking for a cheesier dish, try mixing in different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of steamed?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but you may want to blanch it briefly in hot water to soften it before mixing in.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when it is bubbly, and the top is golden brown. You can also check with a knife; it should come out hot and clean.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed Fresh broccoli can be used; blanch briefly for best texture.
- 1 cup cooked rice Brown rice can be used for a healthier version.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper To taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional for topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the top.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
