Cozy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Broccoli chicken rice casserole is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: tender chicken mingling with vibrant green broccoli, enveloped in creamy rice that sings comfort food. The aroma wafts through your kitchen, making you feel like an acclaimed chef even if your cooking skills are more “microwave gourmet.” This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience, one that takes you back to family dinners where laughter echoed around the table.

I vividly remember the first time I made broccoli chicken rice casserole for my friends. It was during a game night, and let’s just say the only thing more competitive than our board games was who could scoop up the last serving. The flavors were so delightful that it turned into an impromptu food fight. Spoiler alert: no actual fighting happened, but there were definitely some messy plates!

I recall the first time I served this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for hearty portions; adjust according to your crowd size.

• Fresh Broccoli: Bright green florets add color and nutrition; ensure they are firm and fresh for the best crunch.

• Rice: Long grain works best; it absorbs all those delicious flavors without becoming mushy.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: For creaminess without the fuss; opt for low-fat versions if you’re watching calories.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grated cheese adds melty goodness; sharp cheddar enhances flavor depth beautifully.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic punch; fresh garlic can also work wonders if you prefer.

• Onion Powder: Adds savory notes without overpowering other flavors; use generously for best results.

• Pepper and Salt: Simple yet essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste preferences.

• Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing your chicken to golden perfection; both add richness to the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and helps everything meld together beautifully.

Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until they turn golden brown, about 7-8 minutes.

Add Broccoli: Stir in your fresh broccoli florets once the chicken is cooked through. Sauté just until bright green and tender-crisp, around 3-4 minutes.

Mix Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken and broccoli with rice, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold gently until well mixed.

Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture before transferring everything to a greased baking dish. This will create that ooey-gooey texture we all crave.

Bake: Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Now sit back as everyone rushes to claim their serving—trust me; you’ll be their hero tonight!

Enjoy this delightful broccoli chicken rice casserole any night of the week! Not only will you impress family and friends alike with its mouthwatering flavor profile, but you’ll also create lasting memories around the dinner table. So grab those ingredients and get ready to dive into comfort food heaven!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken until golden, then mix in the rice and broccoli while heating the sauce. This sequence ensures everything melds beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Experimenting keeps this dish exciting!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

It was during one particularly chaotic week that I first made this casserole. My friends were amazed at how such simple ingredients could come together into something so delicious and comforting.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in my casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well but ensure it’s thawed and drained properly.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free rice and a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup as alternatives.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.

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Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Broccoli chicken rice casserole is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice for a heartwarming experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy recipe delivers satisfying flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time. Get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy delight that brings everyone together!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown (7-8 minutes).
3. Stir in fresh broccoli florets and sauté until bright green (3-4 minutes).
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
5. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese on top.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining cheese, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute turkey for chicken or add extra veggies. For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs like thyme or rosemary. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.