Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

$- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Options for alternative proteins: You can swap chicken for turkey or even tofu. Each option adds a unique flavor while keeping it filling. Vegan substitutions for cheese and cream of mushroom soup: Use cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for cheese. Replace the cream of mushroom soup with coconut cream mixed with mushrooms. Gluten-free breadcrumb options: Try using almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. They give a nice crunch without gluten. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps cook the casserole evenly. While the oven heats, grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish using a bit of olive oil. This keeps the casserole from sticking. Next, gather a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well. You want it all to blend nicely. Now, pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it evenly across the dish. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining olive oil and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the casserole. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. Look for bubbles and a golden brown topping. These are signs that it is ready. Once done, remove it from the oven. Let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. For this casserole, I recommend using long-grain white rice or brown rice. Both types hold up well and mix nicely. It's best to use cooked rice. This way, you avoid mushy rice in your dish. Mixing the ingredients is key for even flavor. Start by adding all the main ingredients in a big bowl. Use a spatula to gently fold them together. Be careful not to crush the broccoli. You want each bite to taste great. Adding spices can really boost flavors. I suggest a pinch of paprika for warmth. You could also try dried thyme or basil for a fresh twist. Adding these can make your casserole even more delicious. When it comes to cheese, cheddar is a classic choice. But feel free to mix it up! Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for some heat. You can even blend different cheeses for a richer taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Broccoli: Fresh broccoli not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant color to your casserole. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture to avoid a watery dish. Shred Your Chicken: For better texture and flavor distribution, shred your chicken instead of cubing it. This allows the chicken to blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up! Adding mozzarella or pepper jack can create a unique flavor profile and add creaminess to the casserole. Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps it set properly, making it easier to cut and serve without falling apart. {{image_2}} You can make this cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole your own. Try adding other veggies like bell peppers or carrots. They bring a nice crunch and color. Just chop them small and mix them in with the other ingredients. You can also switch up the protein. If you have leftover turkey or ham, use that instead of chicken. These meats add a different taste and keep it exciting. If you want a hands-off approach, try a slow cooker version. Just mix all the ingredients and set your slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours. Your casserole will be ready when you come home. You can also use a stovetop or instant pot. For the stovetop, cook the rice and add all ingredients in a pot. Stir well until heated through. If using an instant pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then let it release naturally for 5 minutes. This way, you can enjoy your casserole in less time! After you enjoy your cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole, store any leftovers right away. First, let the casserole cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it instead. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, just take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheating your casserole is simple. For the best texture, I suggest using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep the moisture in. Heat it for about 20 to 25 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it in 1-minute intervals until hot. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness again! Can I use uncooked rice in the casserole? No, you should not use uncooked rice. Uncooked rice will not cook properly in the casserole. It needs time and liquid to soften. Always use cooked rice for best results. This makes the dish creamy and delicious. How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked? Check the edges of the casserole. They should bubble and be golden brown. You can also poke it with a fork. If it is hot all the way through, it is done. The topping should be crispy and inviting. Can this dish be made ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day before. Just mix all the ingredients and place them in the dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before cooking. This helps it bake evenly. This casserole is easy to make and full of flavor. You learned about the key ingredients and how to mix them right. I shared tips for texture and ways to change it up for your taste. Don't forget, you can store leftovers and reheat them to keep them tasty. When cooking, trust your senses for doneness. This dish is flexible, so be creative! Enjoy your cooking and make it your own.$

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

A comforting and cheesy casserole featuring chicken, broccoli, and rice.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cream of mushroom soup
0.5 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir really well until everything is evenly mixed.
Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with a little olive oil. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the remaining olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the casserole set a bit.

Notes

Serve directly from the casserole dish or portion into individual bowls, garnishing each serving with extra cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli florets.

Keyword broccoli, casserole, cheesy, chicken, rice