Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Short Description

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and delicious one-pan meal that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, offering a well-balanced meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Convenient: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the cheesy, creamy goodness.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli.
• Customizable: Can be adapted to various dietary needs and preferences.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Long-grain white rice or brown rice
• Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• Chicken broth
• Cream of chicken soup or homemade creamy base
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper
• Butter or olive oil
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Sauté Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Rice and Broth: Stir in the rice and chicken broth, bringing it to a boil.
5. Add Soup and Milk: Lower the heat, mix in the cream of chicken soup and milk, and stir well.
6. Incorporate Broccoli: Add broccoli florets to the mixture, stirring to combine.
7. Bake the Casserole: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the rice is tender.
8. Add Topping (Optional): If using breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, mix them with melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes for a golden, crispy topping.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Variations

• Use Different Cheeses: Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or a Mexican blend for different flavors.
• Make it Lighter: Use low-fat cheese, milk, and soup for a healthier version.
• Add More Vegetables: Peas, carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be included for extra nutrients.
• Swap Proteins: Substitute cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and breadcrumbs.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes.

FAQs

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Use long-grain rice and ensure proper liquid ratios to prevent overcooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything, cover, and refrigerate before baking. Add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if cold.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely! Just add it directly to the dish without thawing.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

A homemade mixture of butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk works great.

Can I use pre-cooked rice?

Yes, but reduce the liquid amount, and bake for a shorter time.

How do I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese, almond milk, and a dairy-free cream substitute.

What protein alternatives work best?

Shredded turkey, ground beef, or plant-based chicken substitutes can be used.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes, simmer everything on low, covered, until rice is tender.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Oven reheating at 350°F works best to maintain texture, but the microwave is quicker.

Conclusion

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty ingredients in an easy one-pan meal. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal with minimal effort!

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