Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, aren’t they? They bring warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table, making them a favorite in my home. One dish that’s become a staple for busy weeknights is my chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. It’s a total lifesaver, packed with protein from chicken, nutrients from broccoli, and cheesy goodness that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. I can throw it together in no time, and it fills up the whole family! Trust me, once you try this easy, one-dish wonder, it’ll be your go-to for quick dinners too!

Ingredients List

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to success, and I promise this list is straightforward! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Fresh or frozen is fine, just make sure they’re cooked through.
• 1 cup cooked rice: Any kind will work—white, brown, or even a mixed grain!
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: A must for that gooey texture on top.
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup: This is the secret to the creaminess!
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin out the soup and add richness.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a little flavor boost.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a nice depth; you can also use fresh onions if you prefer.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go for the best results!

With these ingredients ready, you’re halfway to a delicious meal that everyone will love!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that we’ve got our ingredients, let’s dive into the preparation! This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole without any stress.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your casserole cooks evenly and gets that nice, bubbly top. So, don’t skip this step!

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Make sure to mix everything together thoroughly. You want every bit of that chicken and broccoli coated with cheese goodness!

Add the Creamy Mixture

Next, pour in the can of cream of mushroom soup along with the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix it all together until you have a cohesive mixture. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s well combined!

Transfer to Baking Dish

Now grab a greased baking dish and transfer your mixture into it. Spread everything evenly in the dish; this helps with even cooking and ensures every bite has that cheesy goodness!

Top with Cheese and Bake

Lastly, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese generously on top. This is the crowning glory! Bake it in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is golden brown. If you notice the cheese browning too quickly, simply cover it loosely with foil. Then let it cool for a few minutes before serving—everyone will be diving in for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is truly a game changer for busy families! First off, it comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Plus, it’s incredibly kid-friendly—who can resist cheesy goodness mixed with chicken and broccoli? I love how versatile it is too; you can easily swap in different veggies like carrots or bell peppers, or even use a different cheese if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a one-dish meal that’s hearty, comforting, and sure to please everyone at the table. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to ensure your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole turns out perfectly every time! First, using leftover chicken is a fantastic way to save time and minimize waste—just shred it up and you’re good to go! If you want to elevate the flavor, try adding other vegetables like chopped carrots, bell peppers, or even some spinach. Don’t hesitate to play around with different cheeses; mozzarella or pepper jack can give it a fun twist! And always remember to taste your mixture before baking to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of this delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. Each serving is about 1 cup and contains approximately 350 calories, 25g of protein, and 15g of fat. Keep in mind these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, but it’s a hearty meal you can feel good about!

FAQ Section

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole:

• Can I use frozen broccoli? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the mix to avoid excess water.
• What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup? You can use any cream soup—like cream of chicken or even a homemade white sauce if you’re feeling fancy!
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble it a day ahead, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Is this casserole gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use gluten-free versions of the soup and any other ingredients!

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you create the perfect casserole!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: 5 Steps to Comfort

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A simple and delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and half of the cheese.
3. Add the cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover chicken to save time.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
• Make sure the rice is cooked before mixing it in.
• Cover with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole, easy casserole recipe, beginner casserole