Introduction
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that combines flavors, textures, and wholesome ingredients into one delicious meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is easy to prepare and is a great way to enjoy a nutritious dinner with minimal effort. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice, it’s a family favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded
Broccoli: 2 cups fresh or frozen
Rice: 1 cup uncooked
Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces)
Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded
Chicken broth: 1 cup
Onion: 1 small, diced
Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon
Salt: to taste
Pepper: to taste
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
Prep Time
The preparation time for this chicken broccoli rice casserole is approximately 15 minutes. This includes gathering ingredients, cooking the rice, and preparing the other components for the casserole.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for the casserole is around 30 minutes when baked in the oven. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is about 45 minutes. This recipe yields approximately six servings, making it perfect for a family meal or a gathering. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Rice
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside.
Cook the Chicken
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Steam the Broccoli
In a separate pot, steam the broccoli until tender but still bright green, around 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Variations
You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or add other vegetables like carrots or peas.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just cover it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Make Ahead
You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Cook techniques
Prepping the Chicken
When using chicken for the casserole, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly beforehand. You can bake, grill, or sauté the chicken to achieve the desired doneness.
Cooking Rice
Use long-grain white rice for this recipe. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps in preventing it from becoming gummy.
Blanching Broccoli
Blanch the broccoli before adding it to the casserole. This process involves boiling the broccoli briefly and then immersing it in ice water to maintain its bright color and crisp texture.
Combining Ingredients
Mix the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and rice in a large bowl before transferring to a baking dish. This ensures an even distribution of flavors and textures.
Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole at the specified temperature until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Cover it with foil for the first portion of cooking to retain moisture.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in place of fresh. Just thaw and drain it before adding to the casserole.
What type of chicken can I use?
You can use cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas for added flavor and nutrition.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, you can substitute regular rice with gluten-free rice and ensure that your cream of mushroom soup is gluten-free.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout, or in the microwave in microwave-safe portions.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and hearty rice, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and is sure to please the whole family. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, this casserole is a great addition to your meal rotation.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Swap out the broccoli for your favorite cheese blend for an extra creamy and cheesy twist.
Vegetarian Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Use vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a hearty vegetarian version packed with flavor.
Mushroom and Spinach Casserole
Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for an earthy flavor and extra nutrients.
Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Incorporate buffalo sauce for a spicy kick that elevates the traditional casserole.
One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Skillet
Skip the baking step and make this dish all in one skillet for a quicker, hassle-free meal.
