Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the ultimate comfort food: my chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! Seriously, this dish is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese all nestled over fluffy rice. I can’t help but smile every time I pull this casserole out of the oven, and the smell wafting through the kitchen is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be craving this cozy meal again and again. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends and family. Let’s dive into the deliciousness of this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. I love how simple and straightforward the ingredients are, yet they come together to make something truly comforting and delicious!
- 2 cups cooked rice (I usually use jasmine or basmati for extra flavor)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed (fresh or frozen, just make sure they’re tender)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier, right?)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (this is where the creaminess comes from!)
- 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole or skim, whatever you have on hand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra kick of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (I can’t get enough onion flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your liking!)
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients, but I promise this combo will hit all the right notes!
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! Trust me, the steps are super easy, and before you know it, you’ll have a bubbling dish ready to dig into.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because we want our casserole to bake perfectly and get that lovely golden cheese on top. So, go ahead and turn on that oven while we prepare everything else!
Combine Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets. I like to give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed—each bite should be a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s like a little party in that bowl!
Mix the Soup Mixture
In another bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it well until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy mixture is what brings everything together, so don’t rush it! Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Combine and Transfer
Now, pour that delicious soup mixture over your rice, chicken, and broccoli. Give it a gentle stir to make sure everything is coated in that creamy goodness. Once it’s well mixed, transfer it all into a greased baking dish. I like to use a 9×13 inch dish for the perfect depth!
Add Cheese and Bake
Next, sprinkle that luscious shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Seriously, is there anything better than melted cheese? Now, pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden, and you can’t resist peeking at it!
Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This is important because it helps the casserole set up a bit, making it easier to serve. Then, grab a spoon, scoop out a generous portion, and enjoy your homemade chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! It’s comfort food at its finest!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to comfort food, knowing the nutritional aspects can be just as important as the flavor. Keep in mind that the nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are approximate values per serving of my chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
This casserole is not only hearty but also packs a protein punch, making it a filling meal for any day of the week. Enjoy with the knowledge that you’re indulging in something both delicious and reasonably balanced!
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole turns out perfect every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, use leftover chicken for a quick prep—it’s a great way to save time and reduce waste. If you want even more flavor, try sautéing some onions or garlic before adding them to the soup mixture; it adds a lovely depth to the dish!
Also, don’t hesitate to mix in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added color and nutrients. And if you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to swap out the cheddar for your favorite cheese—Monterey Jack or even mozzarella would be delicious! Finally, when you store leftovers, make sure they’re in an airtight container; it helps keep the flavors fresh for your next cozy meal!
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix things up with this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! One of my favorite variations is to swap in different vegetables. You could add some sweet peas for a pop of color or even some diced carrots for a hint of sweetness. Don’t forget about bell peppers—they add a nice crunch and vibrant flavor!
When it comes to cheese, the possibilities are endless! Instead of cheddar, try using pepper jack for a spicy kick, or go for creamy gouda for a rich, smoky flavor. You could even mix in some feta for a tangy twist! Just remember, whatever you choose, it’s all about making it your own and creating something that excites your taste buds. So, get creative and enjoy the delicious journey!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of my chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is super easy! Just let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually use glass containers because they keep the flavors locked in beautifully. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days, so you’ll have delicious meals ready to go!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the casserole in a baking dish covered with foil. Heat it for about 20–25 minutes or until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions if you’re in a hurry—just cover them to retain moisture and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy your cozy leftovers just as much as the first time around!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. Just make sure to steam it until tender before adding it to the mix.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble it a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to cover it well to keep it fresh!
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use a homemade cream sauce or even cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Just keep the consistency in mind so that it mixes well with the other ingredients.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or even corn can add color and nutrition to your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
Your casserole is ready when the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top. A quick poke with a fork should reveal that everything is heated through. Enjoy this comforting dish!
cheesy broccoli rice casserole
Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: 7 Comforting Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli.
- In another bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the rice, chicken, and broccoli, and stir well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- 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: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole
