Description
Comfort meets convenience in this easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, a one-pan wonder that blends hearty ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal. Packed with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese, you’ll savor every comforting bite of this classic family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins and Vegetables:
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
Flavor and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate the tender, shredded chicken with perfectly cooked rice and vibrant, steamed broccoli florets, creating a harmonious base for the casserole.
- Introduce creamy elements by stirring in condensed chicken soup and milk, ensuring a smooth and luxurious texture throughout the mixture.
- Enhance the flavor profile with carefully measured garlic and onion powders, creating a nuanced seasoning that complements the protein and vegetables.
- Integrate most of the sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture, reserving a portion for the golden, crispy topping that will crown the casserole.
- Meticulously transfer the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly to guarantee consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface, creating an appealing golden-brown blanket that will melt into a tantalizing crisp layer.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden masterpiece.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for a brief 5-minute interval, allowing the ingredients to settle and the flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbaceous notes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to use freshly cooked rice for the best texture and prevent a mushy casserole.
- Choose rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
- Steam broccoli just until bright green to maintain its crisp texture and nutritional value.
- Low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese work perfectly for a lighter version.
- Gluten-free alternative: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra texture and golden-brown finish.
- Meal prep friendly: This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg