Introducing our mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – a delightful blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and crisp broccoli smothered in a luscious creamy sauce, all crowned with a golden layer of melted cheese. This comforting casserole is not only easy to prepare but is also sure to become a family favorite.
Cooking time:
The total cooking time for the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is approximately 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). This includes the time needed for the casserole to heat through and for the cheese to melt and form a golden crust.
Additionally, for a crispy top, you can broil the casserole on high for an additional 2 minutes. However, when broiling, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on the casserole to prevent burning. This short broiling step adds a delightful crispy texture to the cheese on top of the casserole.
In summary:
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes.
- Broil on high for 2 minutes for a crispy top.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked halfway and diced
- 1 can Cream of Chicken soup (divided)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked broccoli, chopped
- 1 to 1.5 cups shredded cheese (your choice of variety)
Instructions:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions just before it finishes, and set it aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts halfway while the rice is cooking. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, mix half a can of Cream of Chicken soup with chicken stock and heavy cream. Stir until well combined and the mixture is creamy. This will be your sauce.
- Mix the other half of the Cream of Chicken soup into the cooked rice. Place the rice and Cream of Chicken mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Place the diced chicken on top of the rice mixture in the casserole dish.
- Layer the cooked broccoli over the chicken.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the casserole, ensuring an even distribution.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until the casserole is heated through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil on high for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Why You’ll Love It:
Why You’ll Love the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Simplicity Meets Deliciousness: This casserole is easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy days. The straightforward steps ensure a hassle-free cooking experience without compromising on flavor.
- Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and creamy sauce creates a comforting and satisfying dish that warms both the body and the soul.
- Versatility at Its Best: Customize the dish to your liking by choosing your favorite variety of cheese. The recipe allows for personalization, making it adaptable to different taste preferences.
- Balanced and Wholesome Ingredients: With a mix of protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and the hearty goodness of rice, this casserole provides a well-rounded and wholesome meal for you and your loved ones.
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: With a relatively short cooking time, this casserole is an ideal choice for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The creamy texture, flavorful chicken, and cheesy topping make it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings or potlucks.
- Perfect Blend of Textures: The marriage of creamy sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the slight crunch of broccoli, topped with a golden layer of melted cheese, creates a perfect harmony of textures in every forkful.
- Leftovers Are a Delight: This casserole reheats well, ensuring that you can enjoy the deliciousness for days to come. The flavors often meld together, making leftovers just as delightful as the freshly baked dish.
How to store it :
Storing the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole properly will help maintain its freshness and flavors. Here’s a guide on how to store it:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers or want to store the casserole for a short period, place it in an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure that it cools to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you plan to store the casserole for a more extended period, consider freezing it. Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe airtight container. Make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing. Label the container with the date for reference. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Individual Portions: For convenient reheating, consider dividing the casserole into individual portions before storing. This allows you to thaw and reheat only the portions you need, reducing waste.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen casserole, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can use the defrost function on your microwave for quicker thawing.
- Reheating: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the casserole was frozen, allow it to come to room temperature for even reheating. Cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning, and bake until heated through, typically 20-30 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quicker option.
Popular Questions and Answers:
Here are some popular questions and their corresponding answers related to the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole? A1: Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice has a longer cooking time, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly or partially cook the brown rice before assembling the casserole.
- Q2: What can I use instead of Cream of Chicken soup? A2: If you prefer a homemade alternative, you can make a roux-based sauce with chicken broth, butter, and flour. Season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs for flavor.
- Q3: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole? A3: Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Ensure they are cooked or blanched before adding to the casserole.
- Q4: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts halfway? A4: Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option. Simply shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and layer it on top of the rice as directed.
- Q5: Is it necessary to broil for a crispy top? A5: Broiling is optional but recommended if you desire a crispy and golden-brown cheese topping. Keep a close eye to prevent burning during the broiling process.
- Q6: Can I prepare the casserole in advance? A6: Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve. You may need to extend the baking time slightly if the casserole is cold from the refrigerator.
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Q7: Can I make this casserole gluten-free? A7: Yes, you can use gluten-free alternatives for the Cream of Chicken soup and ensure that the chicken stock and other ingredients are gluten-free. Choose a gluten-free rice and double-check the labels of other ingredients.
