Imagine a meal that brings together chicken, broccoli, and rice in one dish. This dream is real with a simple chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe. It’s a complete meal, ready in one pot, perfect for any day or special event. Its flavors and ease of making will make it your favorite.
This casserole has earned a 4.98 out of 5 rating from 146 votes. It’s not just tasty but also quick to prepare. With just 10 minutes of prep and 50 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a delicious meal ready. Each serving has about 432 calories, 26g of carbs, 38g of protein, and 19g of fat.
Why This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Will Become Your Family Favorite
This chicken rice broccoli casserole is a quick and tasty meal for busy nights. It’s ready in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights. The mix of chicken, broccoli, and rice makes a meal your family will enjoy.
It’s easy to make, which is why it’s a hit with families. Prep takes just 10 minutes, and cooking is 45 minutes. You can also adjust it to fit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Ease of Preparation
This casserole recipe is simple. You need 1 pound of chicken, 16 ounces of frozen broccoli, and 1 cup of instant rice. Plus, basic items like butter, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese.
Combination of Flavors
The flavors in this casserole make it stand out. Chicken and broccoli offer a good mix of protein and veggies. Rice adds comfort, while cheese and cream of chicken soup make it creamy. It’s a classic dish that will please everyone.
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
To make a tasty chicken and broccoli casserole, focus on the key ingredients. You’ll need chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese. The quality and freshness of these ingredients are important.
The chicken is a vital part of the casserole. You can use 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken. Choose fresh, tender chicken for the best flavor.
The casserole also needs 2 cups of fresh, uncooked broccoli florets. This adds a delicious crunch and flavor.
Choosing the Right Rice
For casseroles, long-grain rice is the best choice. It cooks evenly and stays fluffy. Use 1 1/4 cups of uncooked white long-grain rice. Also, you’ll need 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth to cook the rice perfectly.
Selecting and Preparing Fresh Broccoli
Fresh broccoli is key for a great casserole. Pick 2 cups of fresh, uncooked broccoli florets. Steam them until tender to keep their nutrients and flavor.
Cheese and Sauce Components
A creamy cheese sauce is perfect for your casserole. Use 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, separated, and 1/2 cup of milk. You’ll also need 1/2 cup of sour cream and 10.5 oz. of Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup for flavor and moisture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken |
| Broccoli | 2 cups of fresh, uncooked broccoli florets |
| Rice | 1 1/4 cups of uncooked white long-grain rice |
| Cheese | 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, separated |
Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need
To make a tasty chicken broccoli rice casserole, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. You’ll need a big pot for cooking the rice and chicken. Also, a 9 x 13 casserole dish for baking, and a skillet for sautéing the broccoli and other ingredients.
Some other tools and equipment you’ll need are:
- A can opener for opening the condensed cream of chicken soup
- A measuring cup for measuring the ingredients
- A wooden spoon for mixing the ingredients
- A cheese grater for grating the cheddar cheese
Having these tools and equipment will make cooking the casserole easier and more efficient. You can cook the rice and chicken perfectly, sauté the broccoli, and mix everything together in a big bowl.
With these tools, you can make a delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole. Your family and friends will love it. So, make sure you have them ready before you start cooking.
| Tool/Equipment | Description |
|---|---|
| Large Pot | For cooking the rice and chicken |
| 9 x 13 Casserole Dish | For baking the casserole |
| Skillet | For sautéing the broccoli and other ingredients |
Preparation Steps Before Cooking
To make a delicious chicken rice broccoli casserole, start by preparing your ingredients. This step is key to a tasty and textured casserole. Begin by cooking the rice, a main part of the dish. Use pre-cooked rice to avoid mushy rice.
Then, prepare the chicken and broccoli. Fresh broccoli is best for a great texture. Blanch the broccoli in boiling water to keep its color and texture. Cook the chicken with the rice and broccoli in a skillet, as some recipes suggest.
Proper Rice Cooking Techniques
Cooking the rice is vital for a good chicken rice broccoli casserole. Use a 2:1 water to rice ratio for the right texture. Also, rinse the rice before cooking to remove impurities.
Chicken Preparation Methods
Preparing the chicken is another important step. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs for flavor. Cook the chicken with the rice and broccoli in a skillet until it’s browned and cooked.
Broccoli Blanching Tips
Blanching the broccoli is simple and keeps it fresh. Blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool it in an ice bath.
Follow these steps to make a tasty chicken rice broccoli casserole. Use fresh broccoli, pre-cooked rice, and cooked chicken for the best results. These tips will help you create a dish that everyone will love.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 1 pound |
| Rice | 2 cups |
| Broccoli | 3 cups |
Step-by-Step Classic Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
To make a tasty chicken and broccoli casserole, start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This recipe is a family favorite.
First, cook 2 cups of rice and 4 cups of broccoli florets. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli. While the rice and broccoli cook, prepare the chicken. Cook 4 cups of cubed chicken in a pan with some oil until it’s browned and cooked through.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan. Whisk in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup of Boursin cheese. Add 3 cups of whole milk and stir until smooth. This sauce is key to the casserole’s flavor.
Now, mix the cooked rice, broccoli, and chicken in a large bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over it and stir until everything is coated. Put the mix in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top with 2 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of breadcrumbs.
Drizzle 4 tablespoons of melted butter over the top. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is hot. This casserole is a hearty meal perfect for any weeknight.
Some tips for making this casserole: use top-quality ingredients, don’t overcook the broccoli, and let it rest before serving. Follow these tips and enjoy a delicious chicken and broccoli casserole soon.
Making the Perfect Cheese Sauce
To make a tasty chicken broccoli rice casserole, you need a creamy cheese sauce. This sauce holds everything together. Use cheddar cheese, milk, and sour cream for a smooth texture.
Many recipes say a great cheese sauce is key. You can use a 16-ounce jar of cheese sauce or mix 1/2 cup of milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of sour cream.
Choosing the Right Cheese Blend
The cheese you pick affects your casserole’s taste. Cheddar and mozzarella mix well for sharpness and creaminess. Try different cheeses to find your favorite.
Creating a Smooth, Creamy Texture
For a smooth cheese sauce, heat it slowly and stir often. This stops the cheese from separating. Adding flour helps thicken the sauce.
Seasoning Your Sauce
Season your cheese sauce for extra flavor. Use garlic powder, black pepper, or Italian-seasoned bread crumbs. Try different seasonings to enhance your casserole.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1 tablespoon |
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Texture
The texture of a chicken rice broccoli casserole is just as key as its taste. To get the right texture, cooking the rice and broccoli just right is essential. Cooking the rice until it’s tender but not mushy is important. You can use long-grain white rice or Dainty Basmati Rice, which cooks faster and absorbs flavors better.
Steaming the broccoli helps keep its texture and nutrients intact. Frozen broccoli works just as well as fresh. When mixing the chicken, rice, and broccoli, do it gently to avoid a mushy texture. A well-textured chicken broccoli rice casserole is a real winner, and these tips will help you achieve it.
Here are some more tips to remember:
– Choose the right rice for the best outcome
– Don’t overcook the broccoli
– Mix everything gently but thoroughly
By following these tips, you’ll make a chicken rice broccoli casserole with perfect texture. Your family and friends will surely enjoy it.
Delicious Variations to Try
Now that you’ve mastered the basic chicken and broccoli casserole, it’s time to get creative. Try different ingredients and spices to give it a unique twist.
Spicy Southwest Version
To make a spicy southwest version, add diced jalapenos or serrano peppers. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Mediterranean Style
For a Mediterranean-style casserole, add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use fresh parsley and dill for a fresh flavor.
Low-Carb Options
For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb cheese sauce instead of traditional bechamel.
Try adding cooked bacon or ham to the mixture. Use different cheeses like goat cheese or parmesan. Add steamed vegetables like carrots or green beans for extra nutrition.
Here are some tips for making variations of the chicken and broccoli casserole:
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with new ingredients and spices.
- Keep the basic recipe in mind and adjust as needed to ensure success.
| Variation | Ingredients | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Spicy Southwest | Jalapenos, pepper jack cheese | Add diced jalapenos and pepper jack cheese to the mixture |
| Mediterranean Style | Feta cheese, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes | Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to the mixture |
| Low-Carb Options | Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, low-carb cheese sauce | Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles and use low-carb cheese sauce |
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Storing and reheating your chicken broccoli rice casserole safely is key. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also prepare it ahead, without the Ritz crackers, and refrigerate for 2 days or freeze for a month.
To reheat, use the microwave or oven. For a single serving, microwave for 1-2 minutes. For more, reheat in a covered dish at 350°F for 15 minutes. Here’s how to store and reheat your casserole:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat single portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- Reheat larger amounts in a covered dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
By following these tips, your casserole stays fresh and safe longer. Always check for spoilage before eating.
With these tips, reheating your casserole is easy. It’s perfect for any meal, making it a family favorite.
| Storage Method | Storage Time | Reheating Method | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 2 days | Microwave | 1-2 minutes |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month | Oven | 15 minutes |
Common Problems and Solutions
When making a chicken rice broccoli casserole, you might run into some common issues. One big problem is if the casserole dries out from being overcooked. To prevent this, keep an eye on it while it bakes. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Another issue is if the rice isn’t cooked right. You can fix this by using pre-cooked rice or baking it longer with more liquid. Par-cooking the rice before adding it can also help it cook evenly.
Some other common problems and their solutions include:
- Undercooked vegetables: par-cook them before adding to the casserole
- Soggy casserole: ensure broccoli is well drained and use full-fat cream soup
- Bland dish: add extra seasonings like smoked paprika or Italian herbs
Knowing these common problems and how to solve them can help you make a tasty chicken broccoli rice casserole. Your family will love it. Always follow the right way to store and reheat your casserole to keep it fresh and safe.
With these tips, you’ll make a delicious chicken rice broccoli casserole that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal at a gathering.
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
When serving your chicken and broccoli casserole, you have many side dish options. A garden salad with light vinaigrette and crusty bread is a great choice. You can also serve it with yeast rolls or roasted vegetables.
Here are some other side dish ideas:
- Buttery rice pilaf
- Sautéed green beans
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
- Caprese salad for a burst of fresh flavor
It’s important to balance flavors and textures. You can also try international flavors. For example, serve it with fried plantains or add a Tex-Mex twist with salsa and guacamole. Whatever you choose, it will be a hit.
With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect sides for your casserole. So, get creative and enjoy your homemade meal!
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Garden Salad | A fresh mix of greens with a light vinaigrette |
| Yeast Rolls | Soft, fluffy rolls perfect for sopping up sauce |
| Roasted Vegetables | A variety of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts |
Conclusion
The chicken broccoli rice casserole is a quick and delicious dish. It’s great for family dinners or potlucks. It’s made in under an hour and a half, serving 8 people.
This casserole is not just tasty but also healthy. It has about 281 calories per serving and 29g of carbs. You can also add carrots or zucchini for extra flavor.
This casserole is a comforting meal that’s easy to make ahead. You can add some heat with crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’s perfect for those watching their carbs and sugar.
With boneless chicken breast, white rice, and frozen broccoli, it’s a healthy choice. Follow the simple steps in this article to make your own version. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special occasion.
For those looking to explore unique and decadent recipes, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an excellent choice for busy weeknights. If you’re in the mood to elevate your culinary skills, try this Crab Brulee Recipe for a gourmet treat that’s perfect for special occasions.