Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy some Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Creamy goodness? Remember those chilly nights craving comfort food recipes ? This easy casserole recipe is a warm hug on a plate.
Honestly, it's the ultimate one-dish meal .
Brief Overview
The humble casserole, a staple of many cultures, is pure comfort. This chicken casserole recipe takes it up a notch! It is super easy, and takes only 45 minutes.
It happily feeds 8 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
This Broccoli Cheese Rice Bake is packed with nutrients. Chicken gives you protein. Broccoli sneaks in those greens. Perfect for a weeknight family dinner idea .
Plus, it's a great way to use leftover chicken recipes ! This creamy chicken bake is cheesy, dreamy and ready to be enjoyed.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather those ingredients!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Right then, let's get cracking with this beauty of a dish! Think of it as taking all the best comfort food recipes , giving them a good shake, and baking them until they're golden and bubbly.
It's proper easy, even if you're not a whiz in the kitchen. This cheesy chicken rice casserole is about to become your new best friend.
It starts with 2 cups of cooked chicken. I always think about my mom when I make it.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Creamy . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. So easy, you can make it after a long day.
Main Ingredients
Okay, here's what you need for this cheesy chicken rice casserole . We will be using both metric and imperial measurements.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (475ml). Use leftover roast chicken. It gives the best flavor.
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups (200g). Fresh or frozen works. Just make sure they are not soggy.
- Cooked Rice: 2 cups (400g). I prefer long grain. It is perfect for this dish!
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (225g). Buy the good stuff. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5oz/300g). This is the base of our creamy sauce.
- Milk: 1/2 cup (120ml). Adds moisture.
- Sour Cream: 1/4 cup (60ml). Adds tanginess.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp . Don't skip this.
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp . Adds a savory note.
- Salt: 1/2 tsp . To taste.
- Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp . Freshly ground if you have it.
- Crispy Fried Onions: 1/2 cup (50g). Optional, but highly recommended.
Seasoning Notes
This chicken casserole recipe is super adaptable. You can also change the flavor as you like.
Aromatic herbs are key. They include garlic powder and onion powder .
Don't be afraid to experiment with spices. A pinch of paprika can add some smokiness. A dash of cayenne will add some heat. Add seasoning based on your family's tastes.
Can't find sour cream? Greek yogurt works perfectly. It gives a similar tang.
Equipment Needed
For this broccoli cheese rice bake , you don't need any fancy equipment. Just the basics:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing everything together.
- Small Mixing Bowl: For the sauce.
- Whisk: For the sauce.
- 9x13 inch Casserole Dish: To bake it all in. A metal or glass will work.
No whisk? A fork will do. Don't have a 9x13 inch dish? Use anything oven safe. This is an easy comfort food recipes recipe.
Remember this is an Easy casserole recipes so don't overcomplicate it.
You could transform your leftover chicken recipes into a new family dinner ideas thanks to this recipe!
Let's Talk Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Yeah?
Alright, lovelies, gather 'round! Today, we're diving headfirst into the land of comfort food recipes with a Cheesy chicken rice casserole that'll make your taste buds sing.
I'm talking about the one, the only, Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole . Honestly, is there anything more satisfying after a long day?
I remember the first time I made this. My flatmate, bless her heart, was feeling totally rubbish, and this chicken casserole recipe just hit the spot.
Think of it as a warm hug a Chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole .
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place : Dice 2 cups of cooked chicken. Chop 2 cups of broccoli florets into small, bite sized pieces. Cook 2 cups of rice according to package directions. Grate 2 cups cheddar cheese. Measure out all the remaining ingredients, like the 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 cup of milk.
- Time Saving Organization Tips : Cook the rice and chicken ahead of time. I often use leftover roast chicken saves a bunch of time! You can also chop the broccoli a day in advance.
- Safety Reminders : Mind the hot oven! Use oven mitts and be careful when handling hot dishes. Don't want any burnt fingers!
step-by-step: Building Your Casserole Masterpiece
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese and stir gently.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Optional: Top with crispy fried onions during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Pro Tips: Taking Your Casserole to the Next Level
- Expert Technique : If using frozen broccoli, thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole. This helps prevent a watery casserole.
- Common Mistake : Overbaking. Keep a close eye on the casserole towards the end to prevent it from drying out.
- make-ahead Option : Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add 5- 10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. The next day it can be a great Easy casserole recipes
This chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy is basically a one-dish meal made in heaven. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up any leftover chicken recipes .
Seriously, give it a go! It’s Family dinner ideas sorted.
Recipe Notes for Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Okay, right then, let's talk about making this Chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy the best it can be. This is proper comfort food recipes , so let's get it right! I love easy casserole recipes like this, and you will too.
What To Do With It: Serving Suggestions
Right, so you've got this bubbling Broccoli cheese rice bake beauty. What now? For plating, think simple. A generous scoop is all you need.
Maybe a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. A side salad works wonders. It cuts through the richness.
Honestly, even some crusty bread for soaking up all that yummy sauce is top tier! Think about serving it with a nice cold glass of lemonade or even a crisp white wine to balance all that creamy goodness.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips
Listen up! If you have leftovers (unlikely, but hey!), refrigeration is key. Pop it in an airtight container within two hours .
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days . Freezing is also an option. Divide into portions before freezing.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. To reheat, the microwave works, but the oven is better. Reheat it at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Just don't let it dry out!
Remixing It: Variations
Fancy a change? Easy peasy. For a lighter version, swap full fat sour cream for Greek yogurt. It works a treat! If you're watching the carbs, cauliflower rice instead of regular rice is good shout.
Seasonal swaps are also fun. Try adding some roasted butternut squash in the autumn. You get to have your version of this Cheesy chicken rice casserole !
Know What You're Eating: Nutrition Basics
Okay, so this is a Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole , so it might not be the lightest thing on earth.
But it's got its perks! Chicken provides protein, essential for muscles. Broccoli is packed with vitamins. Remember to always check the nutritional content.
It’s estimated to be around 425 kcals per serving. So yeah, indulge in moderation but also enjoy! This Chicken casserole recipe is really a good family dinner ideas .
Plus, it's brilliant for using up any leftover chicken recipes !
Right, that's all folks. Now get in the kitchen and give this Creamy chicken bake a go! I promise, it'll be a winner.
Trust me, you've got this! This makes this a true one-dish meal .
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy ahead of time? I'm a busy bee!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. Just be sure to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Think of it as your own personal "ready when you are" dish!
How do I stop my Chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy from being too dry?
Nobody wants a dry casserole! To prevent dryness, make sure your cooked chicken and rice aren't already dry before assembling. You can also add an extra splash of milk to the cream of chicken soup mixture.
Ensure you don't overbake it keep an eye on the casserole, and if the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
Can I use frozen broccoli in my Chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy?
Certainly can! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option. Make sure to thaw it slightly and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole. This prevents excess water from making your casserole soggy. Some folks give frozen broccoli a quick steam or blanch beforehand to ensure it doesn't end up too tough.
What's the best way to store leftover Creamy Chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Leftovers are the best, aren't they? To store your Creamy Chicken broccoli rice casserole, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven until heated through.
I'm watching my waistline. Are there any healthier substitutions I can make in this Creamy Chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Good thinking! You can lighten it up by using cooked brown rice, which is higher in fiber than white rice. Swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, and reduce the amount of cheese.
Adding extra broccoli or other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers will also boost the nutritional value and reduce the calorie density.
Can I add other vegetables besides broccoli to my Chicken broccoli rice casserole Creamy?
Of course! Feel free to get creative. Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or carrots would all be delicious additions. Just make sure to cook any hard vegetables (like carrots) slightly before adding them to the casserole so they're tender when baked. Think of it as your own personal veggie patch casserole!
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 425 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
