There’s just something so comforting about a warm casserole, don’t you think? It’s like a big hug in a dish! My *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole* is one of those recipes that always brings the family together. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome goodness. I remember my mom making this on chilly evenings, and the aroma would fill the house, making everyone feel right at home. The best part? It comes together so quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare *Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole*
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into the deliciousness! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want that casserole to bake evenly and come out perfectly gooey and melty.
While that’s heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine your cooked rice, broccoli florets, shredded chicken, and half of the cheddar cheese. Oh, the smell of that broccoli mixed with the chicken is heavenly! Then, add in the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Now, here’s where the magic happens—mix everything together until it’s all well combined. You want every bite to be bursting with flavor!
Next, take a greased baking dish (trust me, you don’t want it to stick!), and transfer that delightful mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it cooks just right. Now, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top because, let’s be real, you can never have too much cheese!
Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and that cheese is all melted and bubbly. Oh wow, I can just picture it now! Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Hearty and nutritious, packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli.
- Great for using up leftover chicken, making it a convenient choice.
- Cheesy goodness that the whole family will love!
- Leftovers taste even better, making for an easy next-day meal.
- Versatile—you can customize it with your favorite veggies or cheese!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Use leftover chicken: It makes this recipe a breeze! You can shred any rotisserie chicken or even use chicken that you cooked earlier in the week. It saves time and adds great flavor!
- Cheese substitutions: While I love cheddar cheese, feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses can add a delightful twist to the dish.
- Fresh vs. frozen broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are fantastic, but don’t hesitate to use frozen if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
- Add breadcrumbs: For a little crunch, top the casserole with breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter before baking. It adds a lovely texture that contrasts with the creaminess!
- Spice it up: If you like a little kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mixture. It’s a fun way to elevate the flavors!
- Don’t skip the cooling time: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up nicely, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious casserole that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition! Just a quick note: nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates. Here’s what you can expect in each serving of my *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keep in mind that if you make any substitutions or additions, like using different cheeses or adding extra veggies, it’ll change the nutritional content a bit. But hey, this casserole is not only delicious but also packs a great punch of protein and nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for family dinners!
FAQ Section
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will work just fine, but keep in mind that it may require a slightly longer cooking time. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into your casserole.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep it a day in advance! Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. If you want, you can insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should last up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh garden salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that deliciousness. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this scrumptious *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*, you might be wondering what to serve alongside it. Trust me, it’s such a versatile dish, and there are plenty of options to make your meal complete!
- Garden Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement. The crunch of the veggies adds a nice contrast to the creamy casserole.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with some warm garlic bread! It’s great for soaking up all that cheesy goodness, and who doesn’t love garlic bread?
- Steamed Veggies: Keep it simple and healthy by serving a side of steamed vegetables like green beans or carrots. They add a lovely pop of color and nutrition to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can bring a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the casserole. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up!
- Fruit Salad: For something a bit different, a light fruit salad for dessert can cleanse the palate and finish off the meal on a sweet note. Think bright berries and juicy melon!
These sides not only enhance your meal but also make it feel like a special occasion. Enjoy every bite with your loved ones!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, let’s chat about storing those delicious leftovers! If you happen to have any of my *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole* left (which is rare, but it happens!), storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact.
First, let the casserole cool completely before you put it away. This helps prevent condensation from forming in your storage container. Once it’s cool, transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it!
To freeze, portion out the casserole into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It should hold up nicely for about 2–3 months. Just remember to label your containers so you know what’s inside when you’re digging through your freezer!
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is super simple. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20–25 minutes until it’s heated through. You can cover it with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent the top from browning too much. If you like that cheesy top to be extra bubbly, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes!
If you’re in a hurry, you can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just make sure to cover it to keep it from drying out, and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot all the way through. Enjoy every scrumptious bite again!
Imprimer
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole: 7 Comforting Layers
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A creamy and cheesy broccoli rice casserole with chicken.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine rice, broccoli, chicken, and cheese.
- Add cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Substitute with your choice of cheese.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Casserole
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 20g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 60mg
Mots-clés: broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole
