Description
Savory Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole promises comfort in every delightful bite. Warm layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor this hearty family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 16 oz (453 grams) broccoli pieces
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 cups water
Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 (10 oz / 284 ml) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 oz / 284 ml) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy.
- Combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, chopped broccoli, and diced onion in a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and top with one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, creating a uniform layer.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is bubbling hot.
- During the final 3-4 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, allowing it to melt completely and create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh side salad or warm breadsticks for a complete meal.
Notes
- Customize the chicken by using rotisserie for extra flavor or swap with turkey for a different protein boost.
- Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream soups and checking ingredient labels carefully.
- Enhance vegetable variety by adding diced carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrition and texture.
- Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of cream soups, and cutting butter quantity in half.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 484 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg