Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole its one of those foods that warms you up and makes you feel good. It’s made with tender chicken, lots of cheesy sauce, and fresh broccoli all mixed into soft rice. Lots of familys make it when they dont have much time but still want a filling dinner. Because its easy to change around it’s perfect for weeknight meals or maybe a small party.
Comfort food is real important in planning meals, it not only fills you up but also gives you a sense of home and joy. The creamy taste and soft texture of this casserole can turn an ordinary dinner into something cozy, perfect for feeding a crowd or just chilling at home. You can swap ingredients and still get a rich, tasty meal that’s also kind of healthy.
In this article you’re gonna find out how to make the best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole ever. You’ll get an overview of the dish, a step-by-step recipe, and tips for tweaks and storage. By the end you should feel ready to whip up this delish meal for your friends or family. Let’s dig in!
What is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a baked dish that mixes cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and tons of cheese into one big pan. The rice is usually the bottom layer, then you add chicken pieces and broccoli florets, and cover it all in a creamy cheese sauce. When it bakes, the cheese melts and holds everything together, making it easy to serve.
Casseroles like this been popular for years because theyre easy and you can throw in almost anything. This one feels very American since families started using canned soups and boxed rice back in the mid-1900s. People liked it because it was cheap, tasty, and you could make a lot at once.
You can switch up this casserole any way you want. Instead of chicken you could use turkey, beef, or even shrimp. If you dont eat meat try chickpeas or tofu. You can change broccoli for spinach or peppers, and pick different cheeses to mix up the taste. No matter how you make it, it still stays a cozy comfort food.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Below is what you’ll need to make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole and the tools to put it together.
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
- Fresh broccoli or frozen broccoli florets
- Long-grain rice or brown rice
- Cheese (cheddar or a cheese blend)
- Cream of chicken soup or homemade alternative
- Milk
- Seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper)
- Optional toppings (bread crumbs, extra cheese)
Equipment
Gather these items before you start:
- Baking dish: A 9x13 inch dish works best for this size.
- Saucepan: To cook the rice.
- Mixing bowl: To stir all the ingredients together.
- Food storage containers: For any leftovers.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Follow these steps to make a tasty and hearty casserole. Each step is simple so the dish turns out great even if you’re not a pro chef.
Directions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking your chicken. You can boil, bake, or pan-fry it. If you boil, put the chicken in salted water and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until its done. For baking, heat the oven to 375°F (190°C), season the chicken, and bake for 25–30 minutes. After cooking, either shred or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Rice
Make the rice next. Use a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio. Boil water, add rice, lower heat, cover and cook for about 18–20 minutes for white rice or 35–40 minutes for brown rice. When it’s done, fluff it with a fork and set aside.
3. Preheat the Oven
Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you need to bake.
4. Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a big bowl, stir together the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, shredded cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is coated well in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease your 9x13 baking dish a bit, then pour the mixture in. Spread it so the chicken and broccoli go all over the rice.
6. Add Toppings and Bake
If you want, sprinkle more cheese and bread crumbs on top for crunch. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool for a few before serving.
Cooking Tips & Variations
To save time use leftover chicken or rice. For a vegetarian twist swap chicken for chickpeas or tofu, and use a veggie-based cream soup. Try different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a smoky vibe.
This casserole keeps in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Just reheat in the oven or microwave till hot. It’s great for meal prep, so you can grab a piece anytime you’re busy.
Nutritional Information
This dish not only tastes good but also gives you protein, vitamins, and carbs. A usual serving has around 350–400 calories, 15–20g fat, 40–45g carbs, and 25–30g protein. For a lighter version use low-fat cheese, reduced-fat soup, and brown rice instead of white.
Why This Casserole is Perfect for Family Meals
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is great for families because it all cooks in one dish, so there’s less cleanup. It feeds a bunch of people and even picky eaters usually love the cheesy flavor that hides veggies.
You can make it ahead and eat it during the week, which is awesome when you’re busy. Just heat up and enjoy a warm, homey meal without much fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works fine but it takes longer to cook. You’ll need about 45 minutes, so just plan ahead and maybe add more water if it looks dry.
2. Is there a gluten-free version of this casserole?
Definitely. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check that any other ingredients are gluten-free. Most rice is already safe.
3. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or even hot sauce to the mix. You could also chop up some jalapeños and stir them in for extra heat.
4. Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, it freezes really well. Assemble it, cover with plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake, adding a few extra minutes so it heats all the way.
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Replace chicken with chickpeas, lentils, or tofu. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth, and choose a vegetarian cheese. You still get lots of flavor and protein.
Conclusion
All in all, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a super versatile, comforting meal that’s easy to make and great for families. Try this recipe soon and let everyone dig in. Then share your yummy results with friends on social media!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 1 9x13 inch casserole dish
- 1 large pot
- 1 medium saucepan
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 whisk
- 1 spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for about 2-3 minutes until they are bright green. Drain and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the cheese for added crunch.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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