Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese, it combines simple ingredients into a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen broccoli
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
- 3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Drain any excess liquid, then place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and cut it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Velveeta cheese. Stir well to mix everything thoroughly.
- Step 4: Add the cooked rice, diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Stir again until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Step 5: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed. If your chicken was unseasoned, you might want to add more salt or pepper.
- Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Substitute mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a different cheesy twist.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
- For extra texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh broccoli works well. Steam or blanch it until just tender before adding to the casserole.
Is it necessary to cook the rice beforehand?
Yes, cooked rice is essential since the casserole doesn’t bake long enough to cook raw rice thoroughly.
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish perfect for a family dinner. Made with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy soups, Velveeta, and cheddar cheese, it blends fluffy rice and rich flavors baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 pound frozen broccoli
- 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
Dairy & Cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Canned & Packaged
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook broccoli: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, usually by steaming or microwaving. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid thoroughly. Transfer the hot broccoli to a cutting board and chop it slightly to create smaller, bite-sized pieces for better texture in the casserole.
- Mix creamy base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir well until these ingredients are evenly blended into a creamy mixture.
- Add main ingredients and seasonings: Add the cooked white rice, diced cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Stir again to evenly distribute all ingredients throughout the mixture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning: Sample the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings if desired. If your chicken was unseasoned, you may want to add a bit more seasoning to enhance flavor.
- Assemble casserole: Spoon the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This helps the casserole heat through and the flavors to meld.
- Finish baking uncovered: Remove the foil from the dish and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes to melt and slightly brown the cheddar cheese topping.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve immediately while hot and melty for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can use fresh broccoli if preferred; just steam until tender before chopping.
- If you want a lighter version, substitute low-fat sour cream or use a reduced-fat cheese.
- Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- To make the casserole spicier, consider adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.
- Ensure rice is fully cooked before mixing to avoid a crunchy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, baked chicken dish, family dinner recipe
