Are you craving a delicious, hearty meal that won't derail your health goals? Look no further! This Skinny Chicken Rice Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Packed with protein, wholesome brown rice, and nutritious broccoli, this dish proves that healthy eating can be incredibly satisfying and mouthwateringly delicious. Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a recipe that's as easy to make as it is to devour!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 1 cup low-fat cream of chicken soup
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the uncooked brown rice and chicken broth. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed in the liquid.
- Spread the rice and broth mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped broccoli, low-fat cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
- Carefully pour the chicken and broccoli mixture over the rice layer in the baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure complete coverage.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top of the casserole for a golden, melted finish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help the rice cook evenly.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Rice Perfection: For the best texture, use freshly cooked or leftover chicken that's been shredded. This ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Broth Hack: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and make the dish even healthier.
- Cheese Tip: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese or try a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.
- Veggie Variation: Feel free to swap broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or mixed frozen vegetables.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The casserole stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for lunch leftovers.
- Crispy Top Secret: For an extra crispy cheese topping, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 341kcal
Carbohydrates: 43g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 49mg
