Are you craving a mouth-watering, easy-to-make meal that combines the perfect blend of protein, vegetables, and cheesy goodness? Look no further than this irresistible Broccoli Chicken and Rice Bake! This crowd-pleasing dish is about to become your new go-to recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family with minimal effort. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole is a guaranteed winner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add the cooked rice to the soup mixture, stirring gently to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
- Steam the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Layer the shredded chicken evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Spread the rice and soup mixture over the chicken, creating an even layer.
- Arrange the steamed broccoli florets on top of the rice layer.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your casserole.
- For extra crispiness, consider topping the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Ensure your broccoli is not overcooked - it should remain bright green and slightly crisp to maintain its nutritional value and texture.
- For a healthier version, substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set and make serving easier.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or pepper jack to customize the flavor profile.
- If you're meal prepping, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated, then baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
