Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate. Just imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with crisp broccoli florets and fluffy rice, all blanketed in a creamy, cheesy sauce that just makes everything sing! It’s such a lifesaver on busy weeknights—whip it up in no time, pop it in the oven, and you’ve got a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Trust me, the combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible, and it makes every bite feel like a cozy celebration at the dinner table!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for this, it saves time and adds amazing flavor!
- 2 cups broccoli florets – Make sure they’re bite-sized; you want them to cook evenly and be easy to scoop up!
- 1 cup cooked rice – Any type works, but I usually go for white or brown rice for that comforting texture.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – I like a sharp cheddar here for that extra punch of flavor, but feel free to use your favorite!
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup – This is the magic ingredient that brings everything together in a creamy hug.
- 1/2 cup milk – Just regular milk is perfect, but you could use a dairy alternative if you prefer!
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – It adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – This is a staple for me; it gives that savory aroma without any chopping!
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t skip this step! Seasoning really enhances all those yummy flavors.
How to Prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because starting off with a hot oven means your casserole will cook evenly and the cheese will get that gorgeous bubbly top we all love. So, don’t skip it!
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. I like to use my hands here to really mix everything together, ensuring that every bite has a bit of everything. This even distribution makes sure every spoonful is packed with flavor and goodness!
Prepare the Soup Mixture
Now, in a separate bowl, grab that can of cream of mushroom soup and mix it with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your casserole; it adds richness and depth that makes it so comforting. Trust me, you’ll want to make sure it’s well-blended!
Mix and Transfer
Next, pour your creamy soup mixture over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is combined. It’s important to get every piece coated in that luscious sauce! Once it’s all mixed, transfer the entire mixture into a greased baking dish—don’t be shy, scrape every last bit in there!
Add Cheese and Bake
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. This is where the magic happens! Now, pop it in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye out for that beautiful bubbling cheese—when it’s all melted and golden, you know it’s ready to come out and be devoured!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is not only delicious but also packs a pretty decent nutritional punch. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, this casserole is a wonderful option for a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and relatively balanced! Enjoy every bite without the guilt!
Tips for Success
To make the best chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole, here are my top pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to customize the ingredients—feel free to swap in your favorite cheese or add in some sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra flavor. If you like a creamier texture, add a splash more milk to the soup mixture. Also, keep an eye on the baking time; ovens can vary, so check for that bubbling cheese around the 25-minute mark. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes before serving; it helps everything set up nicely. Trust me, you’ll taste the love in every bite!
Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up with your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! First off, why not try swapping out the cheddar cheese for something like pepper jack for a spicy kick, or go for a creamy mozzarella for a milder flavor? You can even mix it up with a blend of cheeses—think gouda and parmesan for a gourmet twist!
As for veggies, feel free to toss in some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to add color and texture. Want to sneak in more greens? Spinach or kale can be great additions, too! And if you’re craving a bit more flavor, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce for an extra zing. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is super easy! Just let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, so you can enjoy those cozy leftovers! When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too—just heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, to keep that cheesy goodness from getting rubbery. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This casserole comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal on the table fast!
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in one dish, which means less clean-up for you—yay!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
- Healthy Comfort Food: It’s packed with protein and veggies, giving you a hearty meal that feels indulgent but is actually good for you!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs—swap in different cheeses or add extra veggies!
- Leftover Love: This casserole makes amazing leftovers, so you can enjoy it all week long. Trust me, it tastes even better the next day!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works just fine in this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. Just toss it in without thawing, and it’ll cook perfectly in the oven!
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of cream of mushroom soup, you can use cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. Just remember, the creaminess is key to the casserole’s texture!
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and check that your rice is certified gluten-free. It’s a cozy meal that can easily fit into various diets!
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. If you want to be extra sure, a food thermometer should read at least 165°F (74°C) in the center!
For more delicious recipes, check out this cheesy broccoli rice casserole or creamy chicken tortilla soup!
Print
chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole that warms your soul
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole that combines flavors and textures for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, and half of the cheese.
- In another bowl, mix cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust broccoli amount to preference.
- Can substitute with other cheeses if desired.
- 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: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole
