There’s just something magical about comfort food, isn’t there? It warms your heart and fills your belly in the coziest way possible. One of my all-time favorites is this chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out. I remember the first time I made it for my friends during a movie night. The way they devoured it made my heart sing! Plus, it’s so simple to whip up. You’ll love how the creamy Velveeta cheese melts into every bite, creating a deliciously cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, too!
Ingredients List
Before we dive into making this delicious chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta, let’s gather our star players! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded, and feel free to use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick option!
- 2 cups cooked rice – any type works, but I love using white or brown rice for that extra heartiness.
- 2 cups broccoli florets – steamed until just tender. You want them bright green and flavorful!
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese – cubed; this is the magic ingredient that makes everything creamy and dreamy.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup – this adds a lovely richness and binds everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk – whole milk or 2% works best to keep it creamy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that aromatic kick!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste; don’t be shy with these seasonings!
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to create something special. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole Velveeta
Preheat Your Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that your casserole cooks evenly, making that cheesy goodness melt perfectly right from the start. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli florets. Make sure everything is mixed together nicely! Then, add in the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and coated in that creamy, dreamy mixture. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it!
Transfer to Baking Dish
Once your ingredients are thoroughly mixed, it’s time to transfer this delicious concoction into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Grease it well with a bit of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking. You want to make sure every spoonful comes out easily, right?
Top with Velveeta
Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the remaining cubed Velveeta cheese evenly over the top of your casserole mixture. This will create that gooey, cheesy layer we all crave. It’s going to melt beautifully as it bakes!
Bake and Cool
Pop your casserole into the preheated oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and golden on top—oh, that sight is just heavenly! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help everything set a bit, and trust me, you don’t want to burn your tongue on that cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates! In each serving (about 1 cup), you can expect roughly:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
It’s a hearty meal that keeps you satisfied without any guilt!
Tips for Success
To make your chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be tender but still vibrant. Overcooking can lead to mushy florets that lose their charm. Also, if you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole. And here’s a little secret: if you want extra flavor, feel free to add some herbs like thyme or parsley! Finally, keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is a bit different, so check for that bubbly, golden top to know when it’s ready!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole. You want to avoid extra moisture that could make your dish soggy.
What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese? If you prefer a different cheese, feel free to use cheddar or a combination of cheeses! Just keep in mind that Velveeta gives that creamy texture, so you might need to add a bit of cream or milk to mimic it.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance! Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, you might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier? Sure! You can use brown rice for added fiber, swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version, or even add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, perfect for beginners!
- Rich, creamy Velveeta cheese takes it to the next level.
- Hearty and satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Versatile—great for using up leftovers!
- One-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta, simply transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long! When it’s time to reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or warm the whole casserole in the oven. If you’re using the oven, cover it with foil to prevent drying out and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Just be careful—it’ll be hot and cheesy, so let it cool for a minute before diving back in!
Serving Suggestions
This chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta is so hearty that it can stand on its own, but if you want to add a little something extra, consider serving it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for that perfect crunch. A simple fruit salad also complements the cheesy richness beautifully. Enjoy!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this chicken and biscuit casserole recipe or these chicken, cheese, and broccoli recipes.
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Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole Velveeta in 5 Simple Steps
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious chicken rice broccoli casserole with Velveeta cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the Velveeta cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with the remaining Velveeta cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the broccoli is steamed but still bright green.
- Use leftover chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, add your favorite herbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken rice broccoli casserole velveeta
