why make this recipe
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for busy families. It combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, all in a creamy sauce. This recipe is also very versatile and can be adapted to fit your tastes. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters!
how to make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your hearty casserole!
how to serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Serve the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole hot, right out of the oven. It can be a main course by itself or served with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
how to store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
You can store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
tips to make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
- For a creamier texture, add more milk or use a different soup like cream of mushroom.
variation
You can make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs or omitting the topping altogether. If you want a bit of spice, consider adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the mixture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup, or make a homemade white sauce as an alternative.
How can I make this casserole healthier?
Use brown rice instead of white rice, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables to boost the nutritional value.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs Optional for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top for added crunch.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.