Imagine a dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to perfection in one comforting casserole. Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner: Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole! This easy-to-make recipe not only delights the taste buds but also brings the family together around the dinner table. With just 20 minutes of prep and a total cooking time of only 50 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve in no time. Ready to dive into this creamy, cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli, steamed
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 2 cups of steamed broccoli, 1 cup of cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Add the can of cream of chicken soup to the mixture. This will help bind the ingredients together and add creaminess to the casserole. Stir well until the soup is fully incorporated into the mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to mix thoroughly to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking. Pour the chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking. This will help prevent the casserole from drying out.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- After 20 minutes, carefully remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the top of the casserole become golden and bubbly.
- Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to serve.
- Serve the Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole warm, garnished with additional shredded cheddar cheese or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy nights, shred your chicken and steam the broccoli in advance. You can even assemble the casserole a day ahead and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Customize Your Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for your favorite veggies like spinach or mixed bell peppers. You can also use brown rice for a healthier twist or add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
- Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering your casserole with aluminum foil during the first part of baking helps keep it moist. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: For an even cheesier dish, sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. It will melt into a delicious, bubbly layer that’s hard to resist!
- Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes serving easier, ensuring that each portion holds together beautifully.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg
