Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines simple ingredients into a flavorful, cheesy dish with a delightful crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings & Other
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- Add Broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets and cook with the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is slightly tender but still vibrant and crisp.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy and smooth cheese sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large baking dish, mix together the cooked rice, the chicken and broccoli mixture, and the prepared cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated and well distributed.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, add breadcrumbs on top to create a crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Using brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and increase fiber content.
- For a gluten-free option, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If preferred, add herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, chicken broccoli rice bake, comfort food casserole, easy chicken casserole, one dish meal
