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
Scale
- 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