Looking for a comforting dish that combines the heartiness of chicken, the nutrition of broccoli, and the satisfaction of rice, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy embrace? Look no further than this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this delightful recipe takes just 45 minutes from prep to plate, making it a weeknight winner. With layers of flavor and a bubbly, golden cheese topping that will have everyone coming back for seconds, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Steam the broccoli florets in a steamer basket or microwave for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. The broccoli should be bright green and slightly softened but not mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended. This creates the creamy sauce base for the casserole.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and rice. Stir carefully to coat all ingredients with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface for a golden, melted cheese topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
Tips
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand, saving you time and effort.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: When steaming the broccoli, aim for tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and texture. Overcooking can lead to mushy broccoli that loses its appeal.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding other veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese varieties.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the flavor, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
- Check for Doneness: The casserole is ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, but if you want a golden top, broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end (watch closely to prevent burning!).
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 80mg
