Description
Hearty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli combine in this satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup (120 mL) milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets, ensuring even distribution of components.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Incorporate cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms with balanced seasoning and rich flavor profile.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheddar cheese to create a tantalizing golden crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Place in preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts into a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals complete cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to settle, then optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before presenting to the table.
Notes
- Optimize Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice or pre-cooked rice to prevent mushiness and ensure each grain remains distinct and fluffy.
- Prevent Dry Casserole: Don’t skimp on liquid ingredients; the cream of chicken soup and milk are crucial for maintaining moisture and creating a creamy consistency.
- Customize Protein Options: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that maintains the dish’s core flavor profile.
- Enhance Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrient content and introduce additional color and texture to the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg