Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to dish: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! This cozy casserole is like a warm hug on a plate. It brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and, of course, a generous helping of gooey cheese – how can you not love that? I whip it up on those busy weeknights when I want something quick but comforting. My family digs in, and I can almost hear the sighs of relief as they savor each bite. Plus, it’s super versatile! Whether you’ve got leftover chicken or want to sneak in some extra veggies, this dish has got your back. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand. Just make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen broccoli works great! If you’re using fresh, just chop it into small florets so it cooks evenly in the casserole.
- 1 cup cooked rice: I like using white or brown rice, whichever you prefer. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the mix.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Go for sharp cheddar if you want a little more flavor! It melts beautifully and adds that creamy goodness we all crave.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This acts as the base for our sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also make your own from scratch!
- 1/2 cup milk: I usually stick with whole milk, but any milk you have will do. It helps to thin out the soup and make everything nice and creamy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A dash of garlic powder adds that lovely depth of flavor. It’s a must for me!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Just like the garlic, this gives it a bit of extra oomph without needing to chop any onions.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Adjust according to your preference.
Optional Ingredients
If you want to switch things up or add a little more nutrition, consider these options:
- Additional vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, or even corn would be a fantastic addition. Just chop them up small so they cook through!
- Spices: A sprinkle of paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick if you’re feeling bold.
- Different cheeses: Feel free to mix in mozzarella or pepper jack for a fun twist on the classic flavor!
- Breadcrumb topping: For a crunchy finish, sprinkle some seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the casserole cook evenly and get that nice bubbly top we all love. So go ahead and turn it on while you prep the rest!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, and shredded cheddar cheese. I like to mix everything gently but thoroughly—this way, each bite will be loaded with all those delicious flavors. Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands if it helps! Just make sure everything’s well combined.
Prepare the Sauce
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creamy mixture is what ties everything together! Make sure it’s smooth and well-blended. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even add a splash of hot sauce for a little extra zing.
Combine and Bake
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Pour that creamy sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is nicely coated. Next, transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it bakes perfectly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbling at the edges. You’ll know it’s ready when you see that golden, cheesy goodness on top!
Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes—this helps it set up a bit and makes serving much easier. Then, scoop it out and enjoy! I love serving it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread, but honestly, it’s a complete meal on its own. Trust me, the aroma will have everyone flocking to the table!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this comforting chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! While I can’t give you an exact breakdown since ingredients can vary, here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Remember, these values can change based on the specific brands and types of ingredients you use, but it gives you a good ballpark figure. It’s a hearty dish that not only warms the soul but also packs in some solid nutrition, especially with all that chicken and broccoli goodness!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my best tips to help you achieve the ultimate comfort food experience:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh broccoli and quality chicken can really elevate the flavor of your casserole. If you can, grab some vibrant broccoli florets for that gorgeous color and crunch.
- Don’t skip the preheating: Trust me, preheating your oven is key! It ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that lovely bubbly texture on top.
- Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is fantastic, mixing in a bit of mozzarella or even gouda can take the flavor to another level. Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices!
- Adjust the seasoning: Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t hesitate to tweak the salt and pepper to your liking. A dash of hot sauce or some red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick too!
- Let it rest: After baking, let your casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit, making it easier to dish out and ensuring it holds its shape.
- Make it ahead: If you’re short on time, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming out cold!
- Pair it right: Serve your casserole with a light side salad or some crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. It complements the richness of the casserole beautifully!
These little tips can make a big difference, so keep them in mind as you whip up your delicious casserole. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in about 45 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Healthy Ingredients: With lean chicken, fresh broccoli, and rice, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. You can feel good about serving it!
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to tweak the recipe with your favorite veggies or spices. It’s a great way to use up leftovers and adapt to what you have on hand!
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Who doesn’t love a meal that’s easy to prepare and even easier to clean up?
- Leftover Friendly: This casserole keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!
FAQ Section
Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is not only a great way to save time, but it also adds fantastic flavor to your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. Whether it’s rotisserie chicken or some from last night’s dinner, it works perfectly. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and you’re good to go!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand or want to make a healthier version, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just mix some milk with flour and seasonings to create a creamy base. There are plenty of options out there, so feel free to get creative!
How do I store leftovers?
To store your delicious leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to reheat it gently in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy those comforting flavors again!
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This casserole is super versatile, and adding more veggies is a fantastic idea. You can toss in carrots, bell peppers, or even some peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Just chop them small, so they cook through nicely with the rest of the dish. The more, the merrier!
How long does it take to bake?
The baking time for this casserole is about 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to keep an eye on it and look for that bubbly, golden top. When it’s heated through and your kitchen starts smelling amazing, you know it’s ready to come out!
Call to Action
I hope you’re as excited to try this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole as I am to share it with you! If you make this comforting dish, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any of your own twists? Maybe you tried a different veggie or spice? Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you!
Also, if you enjoyed this recipe, why not rate it? Your feedback helps me know what you love and inspires others to give it a go too! And hey, feel free to share your casserole creations on social media—tag me so I can see your delicious versions! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear from you!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: 5 Easy Steps!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting casserole with chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 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 your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese.
- In another bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Feel free to add more vegetables if desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole
