Description
Cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Starches and Vegetables:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Dairy and Seasoning:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with grease.
- Transform broccoli into a tender state through quick blanching in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, ensuring a vibrant green color. Alternatively, completely defrost frozen broccoli and eliminate excess moisture.
- Create a harmonious blend by combining shredded chicken, fluffy rice, prepared broccoli, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, smooth milk, aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, optional smoky paprika, and seasoning elements.
- Transfer the unified mixture into the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly across the surface. Enhance textural complexity by sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs and additional cheddar cheese atop the casserole.
- Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing heat to transform the ingredients for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
- Allow the casserole a brief resting period of 5 minutes after removing from oven, permitting flavors to settle. Complement the main dish with a crisp salad or warm dinner rolls for a satisfying meal experience.
Notes
- Enhance the dish’s nutrition by using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and minerals.
- Swap out cream of chicken soup for a homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients if watching salt intake.
- Make this casserole vegetarian by replacing chicken with firm tofu, white beans, or roasted cauliflower for protein alternatives.
- Customize the cheese blend by mixing in smoked gouda or pepper jack for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg