Welcome to my cozy kitchen! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite comfort foods: *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*. This dish is a staple in my home, and it always brings back warm memories of family gatherings and Sunday dinners. I remember the first time I made it for my kids; their faces lit up as they took their first bites, and I knew I had found a winner! It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying, packed with flavors that meld together beautifully. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies! Trust me, once you make this casserole, it’ll become a cherished recipe in your home, just like it has in mine. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up my favorite *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*! You’ll find that each element plays a crucial role in creating that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to use fresh broccoli florets for that bright, vibrant flavor! And don’t hesitate to pull out any leftover chicken you might have; it works perfectly in this dish. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare the Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this delightful *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal in no time. Here’s how I do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This should take about 10 minutes, and trust me, you want that oven nice and toasty for our casserole!
- While the oven is heating, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, and shredded cheddar cheese. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, add in the cream of chicken soup and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, then season everything with a little salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all well mixed. It should look creamy and inviting!
- Now, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish, but anything similar works just fine.
- Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and bubbly on top—such a beautiful sight!
- Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to scoop out. And oh boy, the aroma will have everyone gathering around!
There you have it! With just a few easy steps, you’re on your way to enjoying this comforting casserole. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping for the week ahead!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy, cheesy goodness that everyone in the family will adore.
- A great way to sneak in those healthy veggies without anyone noticing!
- Hearty and filling, making it a satisfying main dish.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) taste just as amazing the next day.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite spices or veggies!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the veggies—cauliflower, bell peppers, or even spinach can add a delightful twist. Just remember to chop them up into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Also, if you want an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle some additional cheddar or even mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for that ooey-gooey finish!
For a bit more flavor, consider adding a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some Dijon mustard to the mixture. And if you’re short on time, using rotisserie chicken is a game-changer—just shred it and mix! Lastly, let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking; this will help it set and make serving a breeze. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for my *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But overall, you’re getting a hearty dish packed with protein and some veggies, making it a balanced meal that feels indulgent yet comforting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole* is super simple! Just let it cool completely first, then transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it again without any fuss!
When you’re ready to dig in, reheating is a breeze. I recommend popping it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until it’s heated through. You can also use the microwave—just cover it with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing it in. It’ll save you some prep time while still giving you that lovely veggie flavor!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don’t have cream of chicken soup on hand, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just mix equal parts of milk and flour, then cook until thickened. This will keep that creamy texture intact!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten up the *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*, try using low-fat cheese and reduced-fat cream of chicken soup. You can also add more veggies like carrots or zucchini to boost the nutrition without sacrificing flavor. Another tip is to replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa for added fiber!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up my *broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole*! For starters, why not swap out the broccoli for other veggies? Cauliflower, green beans, or even asparagus can add a delightful twist. You can also play with the cheese—try pepper jack for a spicy kick or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan for a different flavor profile.
And if you want to change the protein, shredded turkey or even a plant-based option like chickpeas works beautifully! Spice things up with some smoked paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Print
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole: 5 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and cheesy casserole featuring broccoli, rice, and chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can 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, combine the chicken, broccoli, rice, cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables.
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole
