Are you craving a mouthwatering meal that combines the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! This classic American dish is about to become your new family favorite, promising to transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of cooked rice, 2 cups of diced cooked chicken, and 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets. Make sure the broccoli is tender but still vibrant in color.
- Add 1 cup of cream of chicken soup to the mixture. This will add creaminess and flavor to your casserole. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until the seasonings are well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This will help ensure that the casserole cooks uniformly.
- Once the mixture is evenly spread, sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. This will create a delicious, melty layer on your casserole.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly and to keep the moisture in.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the casserole to heat through.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set a bit and make it easier to serve.
- Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Cook your rice and chicken in advance to make assembly quick and easy. This is a great time-saving technique for busy weeknight dinners.
- Broccoli Perfection: Steam your broccoli just until tender-crisp to maintain its vibrant color and nutritional value. Overcooking will make it mushy and dull.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting quality. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
- Moisture is Key: The aluminum foil cover during initial baking helps keep the casserole moist and prevents the top from burning.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it set and makes serving much easier.
- Customize: Feel free to add extra seasonings like dried herbs or swap mozzarella for cheddar to make the recipe your own.
- Storage Tip: This casserole freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 483kcal
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 115mg
