There’s just something so heartwarming about a good casserole, isn’t there? It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially when it’s a cheesy delight like my chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! This dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese over fluffy rice, creating a meal that’s not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. I love how easy it is to whip up on a busy weeknight or to impress guests at a gathering. Plus, it fills the house with that wonderful, inviting aroma that makes everyone eager to dig in. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- 2 cups cooked rice – fluffy and ready to soak up all that delicious flavor
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – use rotisserie chicken for a quick option!
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed – vibrant and tender, adding a great crunch
- 1 can cream of chicken soup – the creamy base that ties everything together
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that melty, gooey goodness on top
- 1/2 cup milk – adds creaminess and helps blend the soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – for that extra flavor kick
- Salt and pepper to taste – because every dish needs a little seasoning love
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and ensures that cheese melts beautifully. While that’s warming up, you can tackle the rest of the steps!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli. I like to use a spatula for this; it helps to gently mix everything without mashing the broccoli. Make sure everything is well combined, as you want each bite to be filled with that yummy chicken and veggie goodness!
Prepare the Soup Mixture
In another bowl, grab that can of cream of chicken soup and add in the milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture is what brings our casserole to life, so don’t rush it! You want it to blend perfectly.
Mix and Transfer
Now, pour the soup mixture over your rice, chicken, and broccoli. Gently stir everything together until all the ingredients are coated in that creamy goodness. Once mixed, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it bakes uniformly!
Add Cheese and Bake
Finally, sprinkle that shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top. I mean, who doesn’t love extra cheese, right? Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Oh, that smell will have you counting down the minutes until you can dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation, perfect for busy weeknights
- Hearty ingredients that keep you full and satisfied
- Family-friendly flavors that even picky eaters will enjoy
- One-dish meal means less cleanup—win-win!
- Comforting and delicious, making it a go-to for gatherings
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole turns out perfectly every time! First, using leftover chicken is a game-changer—it saves time and adds even more flavor. If you want to boost the nutrition, feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or bell peppers; they blend in beautifully. Also, don’t skimp on the cheese—more is definitely merrier! And if you want a crispy topping, broil it for a couple of minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Trust me, you’ll love the results!
Nutritional Information
It’s always good to know what you’re putting into your body, right? Just a heads up, the nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But here’s a general breakdown for one serving (about 1 cup) of my delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This casserole packs a hearty punch with protein from the chicken and plenty of flavor from the cheese. It’s a fulfilling meal that the whole family will love!
FAQ Section
Can I use uncooked chicken in this casserole?
I wouldn’t recommend it for this recipe. Using cooked chicken ensures the casserole has the right flavor and texture. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could cook the chicken beforehand and add it to the casserole for a quicker dinner fix!
Can I make this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for a day or two. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can definitely mix in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or even spinach! Just make sure they’re either cooked or steamed so they blend well with the rest of the ingredients. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrition!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven until warmed through.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It’s a complete meal on its own, but if you want to dress it up a bit, consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread. A fresh side balances the richness of the chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole perfectly!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers from your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is super simple! Just let it cool completely, then transfer the casserole to an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just pop it in for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy that comforting goodness again!
For more delicious casserole ideas, check out this chicken casserole recipe or this comforting chicken noodle soup.
Imprimer
Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: 5 Comforting Layers
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A hearty chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese over rice.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli.
- In another bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, chicken, and broccoli. Stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- For a healthier option, substitute brown rice.
- You can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole
