![To make a tasty Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 1 cup of broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent) - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can easily swap some ingredients in this recipe. Here are a few ideas: - Rice: You can use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. - Chicken: Swap chicken with turkey, or try cooked sausage for a different flavor. - Broccoli: Use other veggies like spinach, peas, or green beans if you prefer. - Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack. - Soup: If you want a healthier option, make a homemade cream sauce using chicken broth and flour. Each serving of this casserole offers a balance of nutrients. Here’s a quick look: - Calories: Approximately 400 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 35g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 2g - Sodium: 600mg This dish serves six, so it’s a great meal for families or gatherings. Enjoy cooking this Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole! For the complete cooking details, check the Full Recipe. Start by gathering all your ingredients. You will need cooked rice, cooked chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and some spices. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rice, chicken, and broccoli. Stir until everything mixes well. In another bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the rice and chicken. Stir until all is coated nicely. Transfer this mix into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Place it in your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This helps to heat everything through while keeping it moist. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. This step adds a nice crust on top and enhances the flavor. To check if your casserole is done, look for the cheese to be melted and golden. You can also insert a fork into the center. If it feels hot and the mixture is bubbly, it's ready! Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Enjoy your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole! For the complete recipe, click here [Full Recipe]. One common mistake is not cooking the rice fully. Use cooked rice for the best texture. Another mistake is adding too much liquid. The casserole should not be soupy. Lastly, don’t skip the cheese topping. It adds flavor and a nice crust. To boost flavors, try adding fresh herbs. Basil, thyme, or rosemary work well. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available. Garlic powder and onion powder are great too. They add depth without extra prep time. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a kick if you like heat. A large mixing bowl is a must for combining ingredients. A whisk helps mix the soup and milk smoothly. Use a 9x13 inch baking dish to bake your casserole evenly. An aluminum foil sheet will keep the cheese from burning while it cooks. For easy serving, a spatula works wonders. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on tools and tips! {{image_2}} If you want a meatless meal, you can swap the chicken for hearty veggies. Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to add great taste. You can also use lentils or chickpeas for protein. Replace the cream of chicken soup with a creamy mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. This keeps the dish rich and satisfying without meat. You can easily switch the chicken with turkey or beef. Ground turkey works well and cooks quickly. Just brown it before mixing it in. For beef, use shredded or diced cooked beef. Adjust the seasonings to match your choice of meat. This way, the casserole stays flavorful and filling. Feel free to get creative with your veggies! Spinach, carrots, or green beans can add color and crunch. You can also mix different cheeses for a unique taste. Try mozzarella for a mild flavor or pepper jack for some spice. These swaps let you personalize the casserole to fit your taste. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! Once your Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole is done, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the casserole fresh. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have more leftovers, use a larger container. This prevents the casserole from drying out. To reheat, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes. Check to see if it's warm all the way through. You can also reheat in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 3-5 minutes. Stir halfway to heat evenly. If you want to freeze the casserole, cool it completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then follow the reheating steps above. Enjoy your meal anytime with these simple steps! To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version. You can also use gluten-free rice or ensure your broth is gluten-free. Make sure to check all labels. Yes, you can use raw chicken. Just chop it into small pieces. Cook it in the casserole for about 40-45 minutes until it’s done. Make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This casserole pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. The casserole stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time as needed. Make sure to check for doneness before serving. This article covered everything you need for the Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole. You learned the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. I shared common mistakes and ways to boost flavors. The variations offered ideas for all diets. You also found storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. Now, you can cook this dish with confidence. Enjoy creating a meal that your friends and family will love!](https://easycookingbite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/da5f3737-8a4d-41b4-a7a4-3425a53be573-250x250.webp)
Easy Chicken and Rice Casserole
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Herb Chicken and Rice Casserole! This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli, all baked to perfection. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a delicious meal your whole family will love. Ready to try it?