Description
Hearty “Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole” blends comfort and nutrition in one delicious dish. Creamy textures, savory chicken, and wholesome broccoli create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base:
- 2 cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
Vegetable and Starch Components:
- 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- 2 cups (200 g / 7.1 oz) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the culinary workspace to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch vessel with a light coating of lubricant to prevent adherence.
- Orchestrate the foundational components by gently simmering rice according to package guidance, simultaneously steaming broccoli clusters until they radiate a vibrant emerald hue while maintaining tender integrity.
- Merge the fundamental elements – succulent chicken fragments, verdant broccoli, and perfectly prepared rice – within a spacious mixing receptacle, introducing creamy condensed poultry essence, dairy liquid, aromatic powder seasonings, and mineral enhancers.
- Integrate shredded dairy clusters, allowing sharp cheddar and delicate Parmesan to weave through the mixture, creating a luxurious, cohesive texture that promises rich, comforting flavors.
- Meticulously transfer the harmonized ensemble into the prepared culinary canvas, distributing evenly and crowning with an additional lavish layer of cheese to ensure maximum golden, melted decadence.
- Slide the assemblage into the heated environment, allowing approximately 25-30 minutes of transformative cooking. For enthusiasts craving crisp topography, invoke the broiler’s intense heat for a brief 2-3 minute finale.
- Extract the bubbling masterpiece, permitting a momentary resting phase to stabilize. Optional verdant herb garnishes can elevate the visual and aromatic presentation, transforming a humble casserole into a gourmet experience.
Notes
- Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that keeps the creamy, cheesy goodness intact while reducing calories and adding extra nutrients.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic casserole.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor without additional cooking steps.
- Consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg