Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food – the *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, and it’s perfect for feeding the whole family without breaking a sweat. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese all mingling together with fluffy rice. It’s a fantastic way to pack in some nutritious ingredients while still keeping everyone satisfied. What I love most is how easy it is to throw together; you can whip it up in no time, and it makes great leftovers too! Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’ll become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation, and you’ll find yourself dreaming about it long after the last bite. So let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to create a comforting and delicious casserole that everyone will love!
- 2 cups cooked rice (I usually use white or brown rice, whatever I have on hand!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen will work—just make sure it’s nice and tender)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken is a game changer here!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the gooier, the better, in my opinion!)
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (this adds the perfect creaminess)
- 1/2 cup milk (I like to use whole milk for richness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for that lovely aroma)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (trust me, it rounds out the flavors)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
How to Prepare Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
Prepping the Oven and Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, gather all your ingredients so you’re ready to roll. If you’re using frozen broccoli, give it a quick steam or microwave it until tender, just to help it along. And if your rice isn’t cooked yet, now’s a great time to get that going—you want everything to be nice and cozy when it’s time to mix!
Mixing Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, broccoli florets, and shredded chicken. Then, sprinkle in that glorious cheddar cheese. Next, pour in the cream of chicken soup and milk. Now, add your garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. I like to use a big spoon or spatula to mix everything gently but thoroughly—you want all those flavors to mingle beautifully without turning the broccoli into mush!
Baking the Casserole
Once everything is well mixed, transfer this colorful, creamy goodness into a greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes just right. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and golden brown—oh, the smell will be irresistible! Just wait until you pull it out; it’s a sight to behold!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-friendly and kid-approved; everyone loves it!
- Nutritious with a great balance of protein, veggies, and carbs.
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it great for meal prep.
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to make this casserole truly shine! First, if you want to mix things up, try adding different vegetables like sweet bell peppers or even some corn for a pop of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for a fun twist! And don’t forget about seasoning—feel free to add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. Also, for a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. Trust me, it elevates the whole dish!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! Each serving of this hearty broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole packs around 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, and a satisfying 25 grams of protein. You’ll also get about 36 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, it’s a delicious and nutritious choice for any dinner table!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken in this casserole?
Absolutely! If you have frozen chicken, just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding it. It’ll work just fine in this broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, this dish is naturally gluten-free. It’s a comforting option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep everything in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it right before serving. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What should I serve with the casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love serving it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. It rounds out the meal and adds some freshness!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, and it’ll taste just as good!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers is super easy with this casserole! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick meals later on. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes or until hot throughout. If you prefer the oven, cover it with foil and warm it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the casserole stays nice and creamy without drying out!
Serving Suggestions
This broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to elevate the dining experience! A fresh, crisp garden salad dressed in a light vinaigrette complements the creamy casserole beautifully. You could also serve it with some warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a bit of brightness, try adding some sliced tomatoes or a fruit salad on the side. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole: 5 Comforting Tips
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and hearty casserole made with broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 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, mix cooked rice, broccoli, chicken, and cheese.
- Add cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Notes
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
- For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole
