Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Casserole Craving?
Fancy some proper comfort food ? Ever get that feeling where only a good casserole will do? Honestly, sometimes after a long day, you just need something warm and satisfying.
This creamy chicken and broccoli rice casserole fits the bill perfectly. If you are looking for casserole dinner ideas , then you found a winner!
Brief Overview: From Humble Beginnings
Casseroles are proper kitchen staples . They've been feeding families for generations. Think of it as a hug in a dish.
This easy casserole recipes for dinner version is super simple to make and only takes around 50 minutes from start to finish.
It comfortably serves 6-8 people.
Main Benefits: Healthy ish Comfort
Packed with protein from the chicken and some goodness from the broccoli, this comfort food casserole recipes is more than just tasty.
It makes for an ideal weeknight casserole dinners , specially those days you're short on time but still want a hearty meal.
What makes this budget friendly casserole recipes special is the creamy texture and the crispy topping honestly, it's addictive!. And if you're into Deviled Eggs , that makes a great appetizer before diving into this dish!
So, what will you need?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Right then, let’s talk about what you'll need. Honestly, this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is so straightforward. You don't need fancy gear.
This is all about yummy comfort food casserole recipes , using what you've probably got already.
Main Ingredients Breakdown
Okay, pay attention, this is important! For this easy casserole recipes for dinner , you will need:
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml). This is to sauté our onion and garlic
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. Around 1 cup (110g). The base for flavor.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. That's about 2 teaspoons (6g) of minced garlic. Don't skimp on the garlic.
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups (950ml). Any kind you fancy. Long grain or brown rice works fine. Make sure it's cooked properly though. Nobody likes mushy rice.
- Cooked Chicken: 3 cups (680g). Shredded, mind you. A rotisserie chicken from the supermarket is perfect. That's what I do most weeknight casserole dinners .
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: 2 cups (340g). Thawed and chopped. Frozen is your friend for budget friendly casserole recipes . Honestly, I get it, who has time to buy fresh broccoli?
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (305g). Trust me on this one!
- Milk: 1 cup (240ml).
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (115g). Some people freak out about mayo, but it adds a nice tang.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (115g), shredded. Divided in half. More cheese.
- Salt & Pepper: Each 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g). Season to taste!
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (60g). These give us the crunch.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g), melted. For those golden breadcrumbs.
Seasoning Notes Flavour City!
Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. A little goes a long way! If you want a bit of a kick, throw in some red pepper flakes.
Honestly, you can do this to change it and make it quick casserole dinner ideas ! Other ways is some dried Italian herbs.
Think about using a good chicken stock instead of water for cooking the rice. It really adds depth of flavor.
Oh, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the chicken mixture? Chef's kiss. Also, if you want to try a different deviled eggs recipe easy , try adding worcestershire sauce!
Equipment Needed Keep It Simple, Silly!
You really don't need much for this recipe.
- 9x13 inch baking dish. A casserole dish is crucial.
- Large skillet. To sauté the onion and garlic.
- Large mixing bowl. For all the mixing.
- Measuring cups and spoons. You know the drill.
No need for anything fancy. Got a wooden spoon? Great! Got a whisk? Even better! You're all set.
Cooking Up Comfort: My Creamy Chicken Casserole
Alright, friends, let's talk casserole dinner ideas ! Honestly, is there anything more comforting than a bubbly, cheesy casserole on a chilly evening? Today, we're diving headfirst into my Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole.
It's the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Like a hug from the inside out! This recipe is a real crowd pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a Sunday potluck.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
This is all about the mise en place , folks. We're talking chopping, measuring, and prepping so cooking will be a breeze.
Chop one medium yellow onion and mince two cloves of garlic. Thaw and chop two cups of frozen broccoli. Measure out your other ingredients like cooked rice, chicken, cheddar cheese, soup, milk and mayonnaise.
This simple casserole is really easy. It takes about 20 minutes to prep, and 30 minutes to cook. No sweat!.
step-by-step to Casserole Perfection
- Preheat: Crank up the oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
- Sauté: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet, then toss in your chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and cook 'til fragrant, about 1 minute .
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of cooked rice, 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 2 cups of thawed and chopped broccoli, 1 can (10.75 ounce/305g) of condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine. I always feel like the cheese is the secret weapon!
- Assemble: Pour that yummy chicken mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top It Off: In a separate small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this crunchy goodness evenly over the casserole, then top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Pop that beauty into the oven for 30 minutes , or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest & Serve: Let it sit for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This is crucial! It lets the casserole set properly and prevents a soupy mess.
Pro Tips for Casserole Glory
Want to take your casserole game to the next level? For a super crispy topping, broil it for the last 1- 2 minutes , but keep a close eye on it so it doesn't burn.
Also, using a good quality cheddar makes all the difference!
Common mistake? Overcooking the broccoli. You just want it thawed, not mushy. Thawing broccoli completely is important so that it is not watery inside the recipe.
make-ahead option? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10- 15 minutes to the baking time.
Speaking of make-ahead options, are you considering what to bring for the next potluck? If you are, you should consider also bringing some Deviled Eggs .
There are many types of deviled eggs but the Deviled Eggs Recipe Easy ones are perfect for beginners, and there are a ton of Deviled Eggs Recipe Classic ones to choose from! I promise you, Deviled Eggs Easy and this Easy casserole recipes for dinner are always the first to go!
Alright, let's dive deeper into making the perfect casserole dinner ideas a reality! We've got a fantastic Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole on our hands, and honestly, the secret's in the details.
Recipe Notes: Making it Your Own
This isn't just about following steps. It's about making magic happen in your kitchen. Let's tweak it, store it, and serve it like pros!
Serving Suggestions: "Ta-Dah!" Moments
Presentation matters, you know? Think about plating this beauty. A sprig of parsley adds a pop. Maybe serve with a side of vibrant green beans.
For drinks, how about a crisp sparkling cider? It cuts through the richness. Or for the grown ups try to serve the Easy casserole recipes for dinner with a nice dry white wine to compliment your meal.
Honestly, a fresh side salad is a winner too. It's all about balance!
Storage Tips: Saving for Later
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the comfort food casserole recipes in the fridge. They're good for 3-4 days . For freezing, portion it out first.
Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil. It can last up to 3 months . Reheating? Oven is best! 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Microwave works in a pinch, but the topping won't be as crispy and be sure to find Chicken casserole recipes easy .
Variations: Switch it Up!
Feeling adventurous? Go vegetarian! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Need gluten-free? Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup. And Quick casserole dinner ideas can be really fun for family meals.
For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Seasonal swap? Asparagus instead of broccoli in the spring!
Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body
Okay, let's be real. It's comfort food, not a health smoothie. But! It's got protein from the chicken, and some vitamins from the broccoli.
It is the best budget friendly casserole recipes !. One serving is around 450 calories, 30g protein, 25g fat, and 30g carbs.
Every ingredient makes it filling, wholesome and worth it!
Ending Note
So, there you have it! Your guide to casserole mastery. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own .
The most important ingredient is love, honestly! Get stuck in on these weeknight casserole dinners !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time? It would be a lifesaver during the week.
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, but don't bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring it's heated through.
Think of it as your culinary equivalent of a "set it and forget it" slow cooker move perfect for busy bees!
I'm a bit of a novice in the kitchen; are there any super easy casserole dinner ideas I can try with this recipe?
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is already quite beginner friendly, but you can simplify it even further! Use pre-cooked rice pouches instead of cooking rice from scratch. Also, don't hesitate to buy pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep time. You got this, chef!
What's the best way to store leftovers of this casserole? It's so yummy, I want to make sure it tastes great the next day!
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Add a splash of milk before reheating in the oven to keep it moist, and you'll be enjoying it as if it were fresh out of the oven!
Any suggestions for making this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole a bit healthier? I'm trying to watch my waistline, you know.
Of course! Use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. You can also substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor and lower fat content. Using reduced fat cheddar cheese and increasing the amount of broccoli will also give you a nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor.
Remember, it's all about balance!
I'm always looking for new casserole dinner ideas. Can I use other veggies instead of broccoli in this recipe?
Definitely! This recipe is very adaptable. Cauliflower, peas, carrots, or even a mix of frozen mixed vegetables would work beautifully. Just make sure they are thawed and chopped to a similar size as the broccoli.
Get creative and use whatever veggies you enjoy, it's your chance to put your own spin on this comforting classic!
My family is gluten-free. How can I adapt this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole to suit their needs?
No worries, mate! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup many brands offer it these days. Swap the panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Double check all your ingredient labels to ensure they're gluten-free, and you'll have a delicious and safe casserole for everyone to enjoy. Cheers to inclusive cooking!
Creamy Chicken And Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
