Description
Creamy chicken and broccoli casserole blends comforting flavors in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 16 ounces broccoli pieces
Carbohydrates and Base:
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 cups water
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
- 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small white onion
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and select a 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the casserole.
- Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice as the foundation of the casserole.
- Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice, creating a uniform protein layer.
- Chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the onions to enhance flavor and texture.
- Pour the cream soups over the rice and chicken, creating a creamy binding sauce.
- Scatter the chopped broccoli and onions across the mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Melt the butter and drizzle it over the casserole to add richness and prevent dryness.
- Gently fold the ingredients together, making sure all components are well-integrated.
- Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Smooth the surface of the casserole to create an even top layer.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through.
- During the final 5 minutes of baking, top with remaining cheese to create a golden, melted crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot alongside a crisp salad or warm breadsticks for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and elevate the dish’s taste.
- Boost Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary preferences or to create a vegetarian version of the casserole.
- Enhance Veggie Content: Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg