Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole – a beloved classic that never fails to satisfy. This wholesome dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese into a delectable casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this casserole is a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Each bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures, from the creamy richness of the soups to the gooey goodness of melted Cheddar cheese.

Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or tweak the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving some comfort food, our Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Comforting and Familiar: This casserole brings together classic comfort food elements like rice, cheese, and creamy soups, making it a familiar and comforting dish that many people enjoy.

Easy and Convenient: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is convenient for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.

Versatile: This casserole is versatile and customizable. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences by swapping ingredients or adding extra veggies for a boost of nutrition.

Balanced Flavors: The combination of creamy soups, shredded chicken, tender broccoli, and gooey cheese creates a dish with well-balanced flavors and textures that appeal to a wide range of palates.

Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist a cheesy casserole? The melted Cheddar cheese on top adds a deliciously gooey and indulgent finish that adds to the overall appeal of the dish.

Make-Ahead Option: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining. Simply refrigerate the assembled casserole until ready to bake, then pop it in the oven for a warm and satisfying meal.

Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this casserole is sure to be a hit with the whole family, including picky eaters and kids.

Leftovers: Leftovers of this casserole are just as delicious the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Key Ingredients:

Rice: Forms the base of the casserole, providing a hearty and filling component.

Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup: These canned soups contribute to the creamy texture and rich flavor of the dish, forming the sauce base.

Chicken: Adds protein and flavor to the casserole, offering a satisfying and substantial element.

Broccoli Florets: Provide a nutritious addition, adding vibrant color, texture, and vitamins to the dish.

Cheddar Cheese: Offers a deliciously gooey and cheesy topping, enhancing the overall taste and providing a comforting finish to the casserole.

Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aroma to the dish, complementing the other ingredients.

Butter and Milk: Help create a creamy and indulgent sauce, ensuring that the casserole is moist and flavorful.

Water: Used to cook the rice, ensuring it is properly hydrated and cooked to perfection.

Optional Additions: Other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots can be incorporated for added variety and nutrition.

How to make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

480 ml (2 cups) water

190 g (2 cups) uncooked rice

1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup

1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup

360 g (2 cups) cooked chicken, shredded

60 g (¼ cup) butter

240 ml (1 cup) milk

1 small white onion, finely chopped

450 g (16 ounces) broccoli florets, blanched

225 g (2 cups) Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook 2 cups of rice according to the instructions, on the package.

In a baking pan measuring 9×13 combine the rice with 2 cups of chicken, one can each of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup, melted butter (about ¼ cup), a cup of milk, finely chopped small white onion and blanched broccoli florets weighing around 16 ounces. Stir in one cup of Cheddar cheese.

Place the baking pan in the oven. Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes.

Adding Cheesy Finish. During the last few minutes of baking sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.

Out of the oven allow the casserole to rest for five minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli, Rice, Cheese and Chicken Casserole alongside a side salad or some breadsticks.

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Notes:

Convenience: This casserole offers a convenient one-dish meal solution, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Versatility: Easily adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs, allowing for substitutions and additions of various ingredients.

Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and familiar flavors, it’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.

Balanced Meal: Combines protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the rice, and nutrients from the broccoli, offering a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Make-Ahead Option: Ideal for preparing ahead of time and reheating later, making it suitable for meal planning and entertaining.

Comforting and Homely: Provides the warmth and comfort of a homemade meal, evoking feelings of nostalgia and coziness.

Leftover Potential: Leftovers can be easily stored and reheated for future meals, reducing food waste and saving time on busy days.

Customizable: Allows for personalization with different cheese options, vegetable additions, and seasoning variations to suit individual tastes.

Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for serving at gatherings or potlucks, appealing to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the casserole?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice, but keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.

Is it necessary to blanch the broccoli before adding it to the casserole?

Blanching helps retain the broccoli’s vibrant color and crisp texture.

If you prefer softer broccoli, you can skip blanching.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Certainly, feel free to experiment with different cheeses.

Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Swiss can offer unique flavors.

What’s the purpose of using both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup?

Combining these soups adds depth and richness to the dish.

It creates a balanced and flavorful sauce for the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate.

Bake when ready, adding a few extra minutes if needed due to refrigeration.

Is there a substitute for the canned soups?

You can make a homemade creamy sauce using a roux (butter and flour) combined with chicken or mushroom broth and milk.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely, using rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.

Shred the chicken before incorporating it into the casserole.

What size baking pan should I use?

A 9×13-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.

It provides the right surface area for even cooking.

Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?

Yes, feel free to customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or carrots for added color and nutrients.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.