Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Dream Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a bit of comfort? Honestly, who doesn't? This Chicken broccoli rice casserole Cheesy recipe is pure magic. It’s packed with flavour and simple to make. Think creamy, cheesy, chickeny goodness.

Brief Overview

This dish is total comfort food heaven. Its origins probably lie in mid-century America. It's a breeze to make, taking about an hour total.

This Chicken broccoli rice casserole easily serves 6-8 people. Perfect for family dinners or a friendly potluck.

Main Benefits

This creamy chicken broccoli rice dish is so satisfying. It delivers a good dose of protein and veggies. Need an easy weeknight dinner? Look no further.

This comfort food casserole Chicken Broccoli is what you need. What makes it special? It’s ridiculously easy, incredibly tasty, and everyone loves it!

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Dream Casserole: A Taste of Home

Ever have one of those days where only proper comfort food will do? This Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake is my go-to.

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is like a warm hug on a plate.

What's the Buzz About Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole ?

This casserole combines chicken, broccoli, rice, and tons of cheese. It's a modern twist on classic casseroles. My Nan used to make something similar.

Not this exact Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole . But with that old-school comfort vibe.

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe Is For Everyone!

Honestly, it's super easy to make. No fancy skills needed! Even if you're new to cooking, you can nail this recipe.

Let's Talk Time: Your Broccoli Casserole with Chicken Awaits!

Prep time is only about 20 minutes. Cook time is around 35 minutes. That’s less than an hour for pure happiness!

Servings: A Casserole for the Crowd!

This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings. So there's plenty to go around. Or maybe some leftover Chicken Cheese Broccoli for lunch tomorrow? Score.

Ingredients: Your Shopping List Sorted

Right, let's get to the yummy stuff.

• You'll need chicken. 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless breasts to be exact.
• Veggies are important. Grab a big head of broccoli.
• Cooked rice is key! About 4 cups.
• Cheese, cheese, and more cheese! Cheddar and parmesan are the stars here.

Let’s get cooking! You'll love this Chicken Rice Casserole with Vegetables .

Ingredients & Equipment: Your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Adventure Starts Here!

Let's talk grub! You want to make the best Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole ever? Then pay attention. We're skipping the fancy fluff.

We're going straight to what you need. Forget those mile long lists. Only the essentials here, darling!

Main Ingredients for Your Comfort Food Casserole Chicken Broccoli

Here's what makes the magic happen. And honestly, who doesn't love magic?

• Chicken & Veggies

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cubed into 1 inch pieces. Fresh chicken is best, avoid anything slimy!
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil adds a hint of flavor.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g). Go for firm, no bruises.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (around 1 tsp or 5g). Fresh is always better for that pungent kick.
  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (approximately 4 cups or 400g). Look for bright green, tightly closed florets.
  • ½ tsp salt. Just regular table salt is perfect.
  • ¼ tsp black pepper. Freshly ground if you’re feeling fancy!

• Rice & Cheese Sauce:

  • 4 cups (950ml) cooked long grain white rice. Use 1 ½ cups (300g) uncooked. Make sure the rice is cooked. No one wants crunchy rice!
  • 1 (10.75 oz or 305g) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This is the creamy key to success.
  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (2% or whole). Adds richness. Whole milk makes it extra lush.
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise. Full fat or light works.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard. A little tang is always welcome.
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese. Adds that salty, nutty depth.
  • 2 cups (225g) shredded cheddar cheese. Divide this!

• Optional Topping : (Trust me, it makes a difference!)

  • ½ cup (50g) crushed Ritz crackers. For that salty, buttery crunch.
  • 2 tbsp (30g) melted butter. Makes those crackers golden and irresistible.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Boosters for Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole

Listen, this isn't rocket science. But a few tweaks make all the difference:

• Salt and pepper are your base. Don't be shy, season each layer.
• Dijon mustard adds a delightful tang. It cuts through the richness.
• A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder? Go for it! Especially if you’re using the frozen broccoli !
• No Dijon? A dash of Worcestershire sauce works in a pinch.

This simple recipe it's so easy to adapt.

Equipment Needed: No Fuss, Just the Basics for Your Broccoli Casserole With Chicken

Right, so you don't need a million gadgets. Just these essentials:

• Large skillet or Dutch oven. For cooking the chicken and broccoli.
• 9x13 inch baking dish. This is your casserole's home.
• Mixing bowl. For combining the sauce.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

Don't have a Dutch oven? A large frying pan will do. No baking dish? Two smaller ones work too. A fork can work instead of a whisk! Let's get started and make this Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe !

Cooking Method for Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Dream Casserole

Honestly, this Cheesy Chicken broccoli rice casserole is basically a hug in a dish. We're talking ultimate comfort food here.

Forget your diet for one night and dive in! It is very close to the Broccoli Chicken And Rice Casserole your grandmother used to make!

Prep Steps for Chicken Rice Casserole with Vegetables

First, get your mise en place sorted. Chop the onion and garlic. Cut the broccoli into florets. Seriously, having everything ready makes life so much easier.

It's like having a personal sous chef. This includes the essential Broccoli Casserole With Chicken .

To save time, buy pre-cooked chicken. Or use leftovers from Sunday roast. Always a winner! When cutting the chicken, make sure it's all roughly the same size.

step-by-step: Baking Your Comfort Food Casserole Chicken Broccoli

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish, so important!
2. Sauté Chicken Cheese Broccoli : Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Brown the cubed chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Cook to 165° F ( 74° C) . Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Now, soften the chopped onion and garlic in the same pan.
4. Cook the broccoli for 5- 7 minutes. This is important to keep a good texture for the Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole .
5. Mix cooked rice (4 cups), cream of chicken soup (1 can), 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup shredded cheddar. Fold in chicken and broccoli.
6. Pour into the dish. Top with remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese. Optional: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter.
7. Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Until bubbly and golden. Let it stand a few minutes before serving!

Pro Tips for Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Don't overcook the broccoli. Nobody likes mushy broccoli!

Avoid using pre-shredded cheese. Grate your own for better melting.

To prep ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the baking time. A fantastic trick for this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Dish !.

Recipe Notes for Your Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Dream Casserole

Alright, so you're about to dive into making this amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Cheesy delight. Before you start, let's chat about a few things.

I've made this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole more times than I can count, and I've learned a few tricks along the way.

Serving this bad boy

Okay, plating is important, right? I like to serve this Broccoli Casserole with Chicken family style, straight from the baking dish.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour! This comfort food casserole chicken broccoli goes great with a simple side salad.

Honestly, sometimes all you need is a big glass of iced tea. Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe , this is in fact, it is so comforting you will keep making it on a cold winter night!

Storing Your Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Leftovers

So, you've got leftovers, lucky you! This is where it gets even better!

• Refrigeration: Pop any leftovers into an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can totally freeze this creamy chicken broccoli rice dish ! Wrap it tightly in foil, or transfer it to a freezer safe container. It'll be good for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it might not be as crispy.

Variations on a Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake Theme

Want to mix things up? Totally get it!

• Dietary Adaptation: Need a gluten-free version of your Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole ? Use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and make sure your crackers are gluten-free too!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, roasted butternut squash would be amazing in this casserole, adding a touch of sweetness. Or, add some chicken cheese broccoli to the mix.

Nutrition Deets (the easy version)

Let's keep it simple: this dish has protein from the chicken, carbs from the rice, and some vitamins from the broccoli.

Chicken Rice Casserole with Vegetables it is a very healthy recipe for your family! It's hearty and satisfying and perfect for a cozy night in.

Honestly, this Chicken Broccoli Stuffing Casserole is like a warm hug in a dish. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You got this!