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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Comfort Meal

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To create a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The cooked rice serves as the base, giving the dish a hearty feel. Shredded chicken adds protein and richness. Broccoli brings color and nutrients. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that cheesy goodness we all crave. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth. The milk helps to blend everything together. Garlic and onion powders enhance the overall flavor. Black pepper and salt balance the dish perfectly. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a crunchy topping, making every bite delightful. With these ingredients prepped, you're ready to dive into the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease your casserole dish with olive oil. This will help your meal come out easily. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of broccoli florets. - Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk to the bowl. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Stir everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients mix nicely. - Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. - In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice crunch. - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. - Keep an eye on it. Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown topping. - Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. - Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up for easier cutting. To boost flavor, I like using rotisserie chicken. It adds a nice depth and saves time. If you want a fresher taste, try making your own cream of mushroom soup. It’s easy and so much better than store-bought. For the perfect crunch, choose panko breadcrumbs. They give a light, crispy topping. To avoid a dry casserole, make sure to use enough liquid. The cream of mushroom soup and milk keep it moist. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh cheese and a few broccoli florets. This makes the dish pop with color and flavor. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the casserole well and add more comfort to your meal. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a more flavorful casserole, opt for rotisserie chicken. It adds depth and saves you time on cooking the chicken yourself. Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to customize the flavor of your casserole. Crispy Topping Tips: For an even crunchier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning. {{image_4}} You can switch regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds a nice nutty taste. Cauliflower rice gives a low-carb option. Both options work well. For the cream of mushroom soup, try making your own. Just blend cooked mushrooms with broth and cream. This gives a fresher flavor. Want to add more color and nutrients? Consider bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Carrots add a bit of earthiness. Spinach gives a pop of green and is packed with vitamins. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. If chicken isn’t your thing, try turkey or beef. Shredded turkey works great and is leaner. Ground beef can add a rich flavor to the dish. Just cook the beef first, then mix it in. Both options make this casserole just as tasty and filling. You can store the cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the flavors fresh and stops it from drying out. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This helps keep the texture nice. You can get creative with leftovers. Try making a wrap by adding the casserole to a tortilla with some greens. Another fun idea is to mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. Or, bake it in a pie crust for a quick pot pie. These ideas help you enjoy your casserole in new ways! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. This makes busy days easier. You can mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. If you need a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, use these options: - Homemade mix: Combine equal parts of milk and sour cream. Add some sautéed mushrooms for flavor. - Cream of chicken soup: This is a great canned option. It has a similar texture and taste. - White sauce: Make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Add spices for taste. These alternatives work well and keep your casserole creamy. You can tell the casserole is done by looking for a few signs: - The edges bubble and foam. - The topping turns a nice golden brown. - A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This means the casserole is hot all the way through. If it looks good, it’s time to eat! This blog post covers a tasty chicken and broccoli casserole. We shared the right ingredients, measurements, and simple steps. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins too. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy and convenient. Enjoy making this dish for your family. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit. With these tips, your casserole will shine at the dinner table. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and create!

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Looking for a warm, tasty dish to satisfy your comfort food cravings? This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole hits all the right notes. Packed with creamy goodness and cheesy delight, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners or cozy nights in. Plus, it’s simple to make, using ingredients you likely have on hand! Let’s dive into how to whip up this delicious casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comfort Food at Its Best: This casserole combines creamy textures and cheesy goodness, making it the ultimate comfort food for any occasion.
  2. Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and just one dish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
  3. Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with broccoli and lean chicken, it provides a balanced meal that your family will love while sneaking in some veggies.
  4. Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, allowing for endless variations to suit your taste.

Ingredients

To create a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole, gather these ingredients:

– 2 cups cooked rice

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 2 cups broccoli florets

– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup

– 1/2 cup milk

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The cooked rice serves as the base, giving the dish a hearty feel. Shredded chicken adds protein and richness. Broccoli brings color and nutrients. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that cheesy goodness we all crave. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth.

The milk helps to blend everything together. Garlic and onion powders enhance the overall flavor. Black pepper and salt balance the dish perfectly. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a crunchy topping, making every bite delightful.

With these ingredients prepped, you’re ready to dive into the cooking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Casserole Dish

– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

– Grease your casserole dish with olive oil. This will help your meal come out easily.

Mixing the Ingredients

– In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of broccoli florets.

– Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk to the bowl.

– Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

– Stir everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients mix nicely.

Assembling the Casserole

– Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

– In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

– Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice crunch.

Baking the Casserole

– Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

– Keep an eye on it. Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown topping.

Cooling and Serving

– Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

– Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up for easier cutting.

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To boost flavor, I like using rotisserie chicken. It adds a nice depth and saves time. If you want a fresher taste, try making your own cream of mushroom soup. It’s easy and so much better than store-bought.

Perfecting the Texture

For the perfect crunch, choose panko breadcrumbs. They give a light, crispy topping. To avoid a dry casserole, make sure to use enough liquid. The cream of mushroom soup and milk keep it moist.

Serving Suggestions

For a nice touch, garnish with fresh cheese and a few broccoli florets. This makes the dish pop with color and flavor. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the casserole well and add more comfort to your meal.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a more flavorful casserole, opt for rotisserie chicken. It adds depth and saves you time on cooking the chicken yourself.
  2. Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.
  3. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to customize the flavor of your casserole.
  4. Crispy Topping Tips: For an even crunchier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds a nice nutty taste. Cauliflower rice gives a low-carb option. Both options work well. For the cream of mushroom soup, try making your own. Just blend cooked mushrooms with broth and cream. This gives a fresher flavor.

Adding More Vegetables

Want to add more color and nutrients? Consider bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Carrots add a bit of earthiness. Spinach gives a pop of green and is packed with vitamins. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients.

Different Protein Options

If chicken isn’t your thing, try turkey or beef. Shredded turkey works great and is leaner. Ground beef can add a rich flavor to the dish. Just cook the beef first, then mix it in. Both options make this casserole just as tasty and filling.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

You can store the cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the flavors fresh and stops it from drying out.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This helps keep the texture nice.

Serving Leftovers

You can get creative with leftovers. Try making a wrap by adding the casserole to a tortilla with some greens. Another fun idea is to mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. Or, bake it in a pie crust for a quick pot pie. These ideas help you enjoy your casserole in new ways!

FAQs

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. This makes busy days easier. You can mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.

What can I use if I’m out of cream of mushroom soup?

If you need a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, use these options:

– Homemade mix: Combine equal parts of milk and sour cream. Add some sautéed mushrooms for flavor.

– Cream of chicken soup: This is a great canned option. It has a similar texture and taste.

– White sauce: Make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Add spices for taste.

These alternatives work well and keep your casserole creamy.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

You can tell the casserole is done by looking for a few signs:

– The edges bubble and foam.

– The topping turns a nice golden brown.

– A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

This means the casserole is hot all the way through. If it looks good, it’s time to eat!

This blog post covers a tasty chicken and broccoli casserole. We shared the right ingredients, measurements, and simple steps. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins too. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy and convenient.

Enjoy making this dish for your family. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit. With these tips, your casserole will shine at the dinner table. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and creat

To create a delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The cooked rice serves as the base, giving the dish a hearty feel. Shredded chicken adds protein and richness. Broccoli brings color and nutrients. Sharp cheddar cheese gives that cheesy goodness we all crave. Cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and depth. The milk helps to blend everything together. Garlic and onion powders enhance the overall flavor. Black pepper and salt balance the dish perfectly. Breadcrumbs and Parmesan create a crunchy topping, making every bite delightful. With these ingredients prepped, you're ready to dive into the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease your casserole dish with olive oil. This will help your meal come out easily. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of broccoli florets. - Add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, and 1/2 cup of milk to the bowl. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. - Stir everything together well. Make sure all the ingredients mix nicely. - Transfer the mixture to your greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula. - In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. This will give it a nice crunch. - Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. - Keep an eye on it. Look for bubbling edges and a golden-brown topping. - Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven. - Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up for easier cutting. To boost flavor, I like using rotisserie chicken. It adds a nice depth and saves time. If you want a fresher taste, try making your own cream of mushroom soup. It’s easy and so much better than store-bought. For the perfect crunch, choose panko breadcrumbs. They give a light, crispy topping. To avoid a dry casserole, make sure to use enough liquid. The cream of mushroom soup and milk keep it moist. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh cheese and a few broccoli florets. This makes the dish pop with color and flavor. You can pair it with a simple side salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the casserole well and add more comfort to your meal. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a more flavorful casserole, opt for rotisserie chicken. It adds depth and saves you time on cooking the chicken yourself. Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in your casserole. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or gouda, to customize the flavor of your casserole. Crispy Topping Tips: For an even crunchier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning. {{image_4}} You can switch regular rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice. Quinoa adds a nice nutty taste. Cauliflower rice gives a low-carb option. Both options work well. For the cream of mushroom soup, try making your own. Just blend cooked mushrooms with broth and cream. This gives a fresher flavor. Want to add more color and nutrients? Consider bell peppers, carrots, or spinach. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. Carrots add a bit of earthiness. Spinach gives a pop of green and is packed with vitamins. Just chop them up and mix them in with the other ingredients. If chicken isn’t your thing, try turkey or beef. Shredded turkey works great and is leaner. Ground beef can add a rich flavor to the dish. Just cook the beef first, then mix it in. Both options make this casserole just as tasty and filling. You can store the cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the flavors fresh and stops it from drying out. To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container or wrap it well with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot. This helps keep the texture nice. You can get creative with leftovers. Try making a wrap by adding the casserole to a tortilla with some greens. Another fun idea is to mix it with scrambled eggs for a tasty breakfast. Or, bake it in a pie crust for a quick pot pie. These ideas help you enjoy your casserole in new ways! Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. This makes busy days easier. You can mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it sit for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook evenly. If you need a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, use these options: - Homemade mix: Combine equal parts of milk and sour cream. Add some sautéed mushrooms for flavor. - Cream of chicken soup: This is a great canned option. It has a similar texture and taste. - White sauce: Make a simple white sauce using butter, flour, and milk. Add spices for taste. These alternatives work well and keep your casserole creamy. You can tell the casserole is done by looking for a few signs: - The edges bubble and foam. - The topping turns a nice golden brown. - A toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This means the casserole is hot all the way through. If it looks good, it’s time to eat! This blog post covers a tasty chicken and broccoli casserole. We shared the right ingredients, measurements, and simple steps. You can add your favorite veggies or proteins too. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy and convenient. Enjoy making this dish for your family. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to be a hit. With these tips, your casserole will shine at the dinner table. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so dive in and create!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting casserole featuring rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese, perfect for family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 2 milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 2 breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 4 grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, sharp cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly until every ingredient is well incorporated.
  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Spoon the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • In a small bowl, combine the remaining tablespoon of olive oil with the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  • Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve directly from the dish or in individual bowls, garnished with extra cheese and broccoli florets.
Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheese, chicken, rice

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