Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: A Delicious and Nutritious Family Favorite 🍗🥦🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting **easy dinner weeknight meals** that everyone in the family will love, look no further than this **Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole**. Combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese, this **cheese and rice casserole** is a versatile and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re craving **chicken cheese and broccoli recipes** or exploring **things to make with broccoli**, this recipe seamlessly blends flavors and textures while being a **healthy** and **family-friendly chicken recipe**. Plus, it incorporates ingredients like ground chicken and rice, making it a great option for a nutritious, **what to make with ground chicken healthy** meal. Let’s dive into the details of this flavorful casserole!
2. Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or ground chicken for a lean option)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup (Cream of chicken and broccoli bake) or homemade cream sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Preparing Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
**3.1. Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli**
Season the shredded or ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. In the same skillet, lightly steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still vibrant green. Set both aside.
**3.2. Make the Creamy Base**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with milk and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth and creamy. For a healthier option, you can substitute the soup with a homemade béchamel or Greek yogurt-based sauce. Add some freshly minced garlic for flavor enhancement. To explore similar recipes, check out this creamy chicken pasta bake.
**3.3. Assemble the Casserole**
In a large mixing bowl, fold in the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well to combine all ingredients evenly. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. For added crunch, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top.
**3.4. Bake to Perfection**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
4. Storage Tips and Serving Suggestions
This **Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole** stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through. For a crispy top, sprinkle more cheese or bread crumbs and return to the oven for a few minutes.
For serving, pair your casserole with a light side salad or some roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for more ideas, explore this collection of casseroles or check out similar family-friendly dishes like chicken broccoli divan.
5. Tips for Making the Best Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Use cooked and shredded chicken for easier mixing and enhanced flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute the cheese with reduced-fat alternatives or skip the cheese topping.
- Fresh broccoli adds brightness, but frozen broccoli works well if fresh isn’t available – just be sure to drain it thoroughly.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a flavor twist.
- Make ahead by assembling the casserole in advance and baking later for busy weeknights.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
**6.1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?**
Yes! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cold.
**6.2. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?**
Absolutely. This **cheese and rice casserole** stores well and can be portioned for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat in the microwave or oven.
**6.3. What are some healthy substitutions for this recipe?**
Instead of heavy cream or soup, use Greek yogurt or a light béchamel sauce. For even healthier options, try brown rice, low-fat cheese, and adding extra vegetables like carrots or peas. If you’re interested in healthy alternatives, look into more **healthy things to make with broccoli** in our recipe collections.
7. Related Recipes to Try
8. Conclusion
The **Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole** is the perfect combination of comfort, healthiness, and flavor, making it an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying **family-friendly chicken recipe**. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it an excellent choice for **easy dinner weeknight meals**. Whether you’re looking for **chicken cheese and broccoli recipes** or exploring **things to make with broccoli**, this casserole ticks all the boxes. Customize it with your favorite cheeses and veggies, and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that everyone will love!
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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Healthy
Description
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a comforting and nutritious family favorite, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheeses for a delicious and easy dinner solution. Perfect for busy weeknights, this versatile casserole offers a healthy twist on classic comfort food with customizable ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (or ground chicken for a lean option)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup or homemade cream sauce
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Instructions
- Season the shredded or ground chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through. Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli until tender but still vibrant green. Set both aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup with milk and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until smooth. Add minced garlic for flavor enhancement.
- Fold in the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix well. Transfer to a greased baking dish and sprinkle with bread crumbs or crushed crackers if desired.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crisp topping. Rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use cooked and shredded chicken for easier mixing and better flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute cheese with reduced-fat options or skip the topping.
- Fresh broccoli adds brightness, but frozen works if drained thoroughly.
- Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
- Assemble ahead for convenient meal prep, then bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
