Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole

Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together the goodness of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice. This delicious one-dish meal is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. In this article, we’ll share a scrumptious Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole recipe along with a table sheet format listing all the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients

Below is a table sheet with all the ingredients required to make this mouthwatering Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole:

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the boneless, skinless chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Preparing the Rice

In the same skillet, add the long-grain white rice and toast it for a couple of minutes until lightly browned. This will add a nutty flavor to the casserole.

3. Assembling the Casserole

In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything well to create a creamy base for the casserole.

4. Adding Broccoli and Chicken

Cut the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the creamy mixture in the mixing bowl. Toss in the broccoli florets as well. Gently fold all the ingredients together until evenly distributed.

5. Baking the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the broccoli is tender.

6. Adding Cheese and Bread Crumbs

In a small bowl, melt the butter, and then mix it with the bread crumbs. Take the casserole out of the oven, remove the foil, and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Finally, spread the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.

7. Finishing Touches

Put the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread crumbs are golden brown.

8. Serving the Casserole

Allow the Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole to cool slightly before serving. Serve it hot as a wholesome and delicious main course.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! While white rice cooks faster, brown rice can be used for a healthier option. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works just as well. Make sure to thaw it before adding it to the casserole.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Certainly! You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

4. Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor, you can experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella or Gouda.

5. Can I add additional seasonings to the casserole?

Yes, feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

6. Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe?

Certainly! Leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred or chop it before adding it to the casserole.

Indulge in the comfort of a creamy and flavorful Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite. This delightful dish brings together the goodness of chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese in one wholesome meal. The table sheet format provided makes it easy to gather all the ingredients you need for a stress-free cooking experience. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and savor every delicious bite of this comforting casserole.