Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, And Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

1 lb. Shredded chicken

2 C. Instant Rice

2 C. Chicken broth

1 Can Cream of onion soup

1 Can Cream of chicken soup

¼ C. Butter unsalted

8 oz. Velveeta cheese food

½ C. Heavy whipping cream

¼ C. Milk

1 Bag frozen broccoli

Panko bread crumbs optional

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the broccoli as directed in the microwave and drain.

Place the 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil.

Add the rice to the boiling chicken broth, remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.

Stir the butter and velveeta into the cooked rice in the saucepan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli.

Add the cheesy rice mixture to the mixing bowl.

Place the two cans of soup, milk and heavy whipping cream into the mixing bowl. Stir everything together completely.

Layer the mixture into a well greased 9×13 baking dish.

Top with panko bread crumbs if desired.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbling.

Notes:

Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and start by cooking the broccoli in the microwave as directed. Drain the cooked broccoli before adding it to the casserole.

Cooking Rice: Use chicken broth to cook instant rice, which adds flavor to the rice base of the casserole. Let the rice sit covered after cooking to absorb the liquid and become tender.

Cheese Mixture: Combine butter and Velveeta cheese with the cooked rice for a creamy, cheesy base. This mixture will add richness and flavor to the casserole.

Mixing Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, and cheesy rice mixture. Add the cream of onion soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, and heavy whipping cream to bind everything together.

Layering and Baking: Layer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Optionally, top the casserole with panko breadcrumbs for added texture and crunch.

Baking Instructions: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until it’s browned and bubbling. This ensures that all ingredients are heated through and the flavors meld together.

Substitutions: You can customize this recipe by using fresh broccoli instead of frozen, substituting heavy whipping cream with lighter options like half-and-half or whole milk, or making it gluten-free by using gluten-free ingredients.

Make-Ahead Tips: This casserole can be partially prepared ahead of time. Complete the assembly steps and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, top with breadcrumbs and bake as directed.

Additional Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables or seasonings to the casserole, such as carrots, peas, garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs, to suit your taste preferences.

Cheese Substitution: If you prefer to avoid processed cheese, substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any melting cheese of your choice for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen.

Simply chop the fresh broccoli into florets and blanch them in boiling water for a couple of minutes before using in the recipe.

This can help ensure that the broccoli cooks evenly in the casserole.

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream with a lighter option?

Absolutely, you can use alternatives like half-and-half or whole milk to reduce the fat content.

However, keep in mind that using a lighter option might affect the creaminess of the final dish.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free instant rice, checking that the canned soups and cheese do not contain gluten, and using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them altogether.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can partially prepare the casserole ahead of time by completing the steps until layering it in the baking dish.

Store the prepared casserole in the refrigerator, and when ready to bake, top it with breadcrumbs and bake as directed.

This can be convenient for busy weeknight dinners.

Can I add other vegetables or seasonings to the casserole?

Certainly, you can customize the recipe by adding other vegetables like carrots or peas for more variety.

You can also experiment with herbs and seasonings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to enhance the flavor.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Yes, you can use fresh cooked and shredded chicken instead of pre-shredded chicken.

Simply cook boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, let them cool slightly, and then shred the meat with a fork or your hands.

Do I need to thaw the frozen broccoli before cooking?

Yes, it’s recommended to thaw the frozen broccoli before using it in the casserole.

You can do this by allowing it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or by using the defrost function on your microwave.

Can I make this casserole in advance and refrigerate it overnight before baking?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it overnight.

When you’re ready to bake, you might need to adjust the baking time slightly, as a cold casserole may take a bit longer to heat through.

Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that brown rice typically takes longer to cook than instant rice.

You may need to adjust the cooking time and method accordingly.

Pre-cooking the brown rice partially before assembling the casserole might be a good idea.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

If you prefer to avoid processed cheese, you can substitute Velveeta with shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any other type of melting cheese.

The flavor and texture might vary slightly, but it can still yield a delicious result.