Description
Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, a hearty one-dish wonder that brings family and flavor together. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice, ensuring you’ll savor every comforting bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetable Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
Base and Starch Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a harmonious blend by combining fluffy rice, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant steamed broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each ingredient is well-distributed.
- Introduce creamy elements by folding in cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a rich and flavorful base that will bind the casserole components together.
- Infuse the mixture with sharp cheddar cheese, stirring carefully to incorporate the dairy goodness throughout the dish, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
- Smoothly transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to achieve an even surface that ensures consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Generously crown the casserole with a final layer of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a golden, crispy topping during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown cheese crust that signals perfect doneness.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and making serving easier and more appealing.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Customize the rice choice by using brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, enhancing nutritional value and accommodating different dietary needs.
- Elevate the protein content by incorporating additional lean protein sources like diced turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt to reduce sodium and create a lighter, fresher version of the classic casserole.
- Experiment with cheese variations like Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack to introduce unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting for repeated meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg