Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

Introduction

When I first tried this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole, I was immediately hooked. It’s the perfect comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and satisfying, with the wholesome goodness of chicken and broccoli. My family loved it so much that it became a weekly staple in our dinner rotation. The combination of tender chicken, rice, broccoli, and gooey cheese creates a dish that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you have guests over. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great choice for meal prep!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 1 – 10 ounce can of cream of chicken soup
• 1 – 10 ounce can of cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 16 ounces broccoli pieces (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Instructions:

First Step:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the casserole.
2. Cook the rice: Cook the rice according to the instructions on the package. Usually, this involves bringing 2 cups of water to a boil and adding the rice, then covering and simmering for about 20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.

Second Step:

3. Prepare the casserole: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add both cans of soup (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), the butter, chopped onion, and broccoli. Stir everything together to combine. Then, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Third Step:

4. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbling and the broccoli is tender.

Fourth Step:

5. Add the cheese: In the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Allow the cheese to melt and become golden brown.
6. Let it rest: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Fifth Step:

7. Serve: This casserole is best served hot, alongside a fresh dinner salad or warm breadsticks for the ultimate comfort meal.

Nutrition Facts:

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: 450-500 calories (depending on the exact portion size and ingredients used)
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Preparation Time:

• Total time: 1 hour
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve:

• With a side salad: A fresh, crisp dinner salad with a simple vinaigrette or ranch dressing pairs wonderfully with the richness of the casserole.
• With breadsticks: Serve this casserole with warm, buttery breadsticks for an extra comforting meal.
• For leftovers: This casserole makes great leftovers for lunch the next day—just reheat it in the microwave or oven.

Additional Tips:

1. Use leftover chicken: To save time, use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for the casserole instead of cooking fresh chicken.
2. Use fresh or frozen broccoli: Both fresh and frozen broccoli work well in this casserole. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole.
3. Add extra veggies: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or peas to the casserole.
4. Make it spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños to the casserole.
5. Avoid overcooking the broccoli: Broccoli can turn mushy if overcooked, so be sure to check it as you bake and keep an eye on it to maintain its texture.

Recipe Variations:

• Low-fat version: Use low-fat cream soups, reduced-fat cheese, and skim milk for a lighter version of this casserole.
• Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use a vegetarian protein option, like tofu or extra beans, for a hearty vegetarian casserole.
• Gluten-free version: Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free cream soups and ensuring the rice you use is certified gluten-free.

Serving Suggestions:

• For a quick dinner: Serve this casserole with a simple side of garlic bread or warm rolls for a complete meal.
• For a family gathering: This casserole is a great dish to serve at family get-togethers, potlucks, or even holiday dinners.
• For meal prep: This casserole keeps well in the fridge for several days and can be reheated for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing leftovers: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
• Freezing: To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Freezing before baking: You can assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.

FAQ:

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
   Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, carrots, peas, or any vegetables you enjoy to make the casserole even more nutritious.
6. Can I make this recipe without cream soups?
   Yes, you can make your own homemade sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream, but using canned cream soups saves time and adds creaminess.
7. How do I make this dish spicier?
   Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
8. Can I use fresh chicken?
   Yes, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs and shred them for the casserole. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before adding it to the casserole.
9. Can I use pre-cooked rice?
   Yes, you can use pre-cooked or leftover rice to save time in preparing the dish. Just add it to the casserole and continue with the recipe as directed.
10. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
    Make sure to cover the casserole with foil during baking and check it near the end of the cooking time. If it looks too dry, add a bit more milk or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Conclusion:

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With tender chicken, gooey cheese, and the goodness of broccoli, this casserole is a satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re making it on a busy weeknight or for a weekend family gathering, it’s a meal that will always hit the spot. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to make it your own!

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