Pin it A creamy comforting casserole featuring tender chicken fresh broccoli and fluffy rice all baked together in a simple homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights and budget-friendly family meals.
I first made this casserole on a chilly weeknight when I wanted something hearty yet easy for my family. Everyone loved how the sauce hugged each grain of rice and the cheesy topping added just the right touch.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: 2 cups cooked diced or shredded (about 300 g)
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups fresh or frozen (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- White Rice: 1 cup long-grain uncooked
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups low-sodium (or vegetable broth)
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz or 300 g) or homemade equivalent
- Milk: 1 cup
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded plus extra for topping
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon optional
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup optional
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons optional for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sauté Veggies:
- In a large skillet over medium heat sauté onion in a splash of oil until soft about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine cooked chicken broccoli florets sautéed onion and garlic uncooked rice chicken broth condensed soup milk cheddar cheese salt pepper and thyme. Mix until combined.
- Fill the Dish:
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping:
- If using mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole. Top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until rice is tender casserole is bubbling and top is golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin it My kids always ask for seconds whenever I make this. It has become a comforting staple at family gatherings especially when we want something both nourishing and easy.
Allergen & Nutritional Info
Contains milk wheat and chicken. For gluten-free use certified gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs. Each serving has about 470 calories 19 g fat 43 g carbs and 29 g protein.
Make It Your Own
Mix in sliced mushrooms or frozen peas for more veggies or use extra cheese for an even richer casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a green salad and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to round out the meal.
Pin it This chicken broccoli rice casserole is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy the creamy comfort and simple flavors with your family.
Common Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli for this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well and can be used directly without thawing, maintaining texture and flavor.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free condensed soup and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or omit them.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the mixture in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- → What type of cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar cheese adds a rich flavor and melts smoothly into the casserole.
- → Can I add other vegetables to enhance flavor?
Absolutely, adding mushrooms or frozen peas works nicely to complement the existing ingredients.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over before baking to create a golden, crunchy finish.